Depth of Talent Score: 81.45 = Rotational Starter: Executes at a starter level in a role playing to his strengths.
What you see is what you get with Renfrow. He is a traditional small slot receiver capable of earning a ton of volume in the right offense. In the wrong offense, he’ll be a middling producer with value to his offense but not much to fantasy players.
Renfow has a three-step release with a good shake of head and shoulders to fake a defender out. He also has a three-step and double-swipe move that works against tight man coverage. His rocker-step and chop are also an effective combination to get free from press.
A quick receiver with precise and refined movements, Renfrow will be a difficult assignment from the slot in the NFL. He has sudden turns on routes breaking back to the quarterback and he sets them up with aggressive stems that eat space.
He’s a crisp route runner with sudden turns who plants with the front leg and drops his weight into hard breaks. In addition to the hard break, Renfrow executes pivot turns and speed breaks with consistently good route depth.
He sets up his breaks with strong pace variation during the stem and an assortment of timely head and shoulder fakes. Once he makes his breaks, Renfrow works back to the ball and transitions quickly upfield to avoid the pursuit of front-seven defenders.
He’s slot-receiver-quick but with 4.59-second speed, and he’s not getting free on vertical routes on a consistent basis.
Renfrow is a reliable pass catcher who attacks the ball out of his breaks. He catches chest-high targets with active hands and low targets with proper technique. He’ll take a hit while securing his targets and he’s comfortable making plays in traffic.
Renfrow finds openings in tight zones. He’ll make some extensions for the ball and he’s capable of last- second adjustments. However, his catch radius isn’t wide, and he has a difficult time making full extensions for the ball without losing control of the target. The more he has to extend, the more he fights the ball.
Renfrow will never be mistaken for Hakeem Butler, but he bounces off some glancing blows and falls forward. He’s more apt at turning potential losses into gains with his quickness. He has the vision to spot openings and set them up further. He finishes well with low pads to get under contact.
Renfrow has high-and-tight ball security and carries the ball away from pursuit angles.
He keeps his head up as a cut blocker and attempts to shoot across the body of the opponent.
As a stand-up blocker, Renfrow squares and delivers the uppercut from a good base. However, he tips off his intent because his moves are not fluid. He can hold up against some defensive backs but not a lot of them.
With the right team, he could catch 80-100 balls. Otherwise, expect half that total.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: This is the case of a talented role player who needs an exact fit to earn meaningful production. The move to more big-play slots could make Renfrow a player you only want to monitor from afar.
Reggie White, Jr. Monmouth (6-3, 209)
Depth of Talent Score: 80.75 = Rotational Starter: Executes at a starter level in a role playing to his strengths.
Friend of the RSP, Jeff Lloyd of the Browns Wire Podcast, mentioned White to me early in the fall as a sleeper. Lloyd played receiver at Monmouth.
After watching White, I added him to the list of players to keep quiet about. He was a top-25 talent on the RSP’s receiver board before his Pro Day.
Then he ran a 4.45-second, 40-Yard Dash; a 4.07- second, 20 Shuttle; a 6.77-second, 3-Cone; and jumped 37.5-inches in the Vertical. As mentioned in the Projects Section of this chapter, a veteran scout said White was the best prospect he’s ever seen at Monmouth—including Miles Austin.
One of the reasons I kept quiet about White is that he plays a lot like another fave late-round prospect— Marvin Jones. When comparing the two, they have similar builds and and metrics in the areas mentioned above.
Can White emerge like Jones? The short answer is yes. Let’s explore why.
White has some promising skills with releases. He has a rocker step with a hard chop. He also uses two-step release and he’ll quickly stack defenders when he earns separation. With his quickness, he separates easily at this level but it’s also more than enough to win against top cornerbacks on Sundays.
White will have to vary his moves so they aren’t predictable. He has a rip move and dips his shoulder well but doesn’t use either nearly as often as the rocker and chop.
White also must improve his footwork. He doesn’t stagger his steps well enough with his foot-fire releases and it makes him prone to hard strikes that can knock him off-balance before he ever gets off the line.
He uses his arms and hands well to work over the reach of opponents on out-breaking route and he
knows how to get into the defender’s blindspot and cross him up during the stem. Once he does, he can accelerate past him on deep routes. When working up the sideline, White stacks effectively without getting pinned to the boundary.
White releases upfield with intensity when he drops his pads. He’ll set up breaks with head turns, pace variation, and sticks.
His stick is a good precursor to a competent turn on the speed out. His route depth is good, but he could get more sharpness in the turn for a flatter effect.
If I felt confident about White’s route running making an immediate transition to Sundays without a lot of little refinements, he would have been No.11 or No.12 on the board. However, there’s too much evidence that he’ll need some acclimation time.
He runs a lot of fades, slants, screens, stop rotues, and hitches. His work over the middle is limited. He must hold the vertical line better on sideline routes so he doesn’t drift to the boundary on his own.
He’s slower out of breaks than he should be. He displays some quickness in and out of breaks, but his bend could be deeper. Overall he can be more dynamic once he refines his techniques to match his athletic abilities.
White’s bend, burst, and overall tempo is inconsistent as a route runner. When his tempo is high, he looks like he runs starter-caliber routes.
He needs more violence at the top of his stems and he takes too many steps into breaks. However, he can tell a story with his routes. With more attention, he should become a fine route runner.
White excels as an aerial threat. He catches the ball with his hands and makes impressive extensions to targets. He has a super wide catch radius and he can take contact. He wins jump balls against tight coverage and can do so over the back of his opponent.
White also tracks the ball over his shoulder or working across the field. He’s a graceful and high leaper who times his jumps perfectly.
White leaves his feet unnecessarily on the occasional route breaking towards the boundary. He also has lapses with attack and lets the ball into his beltline or chest. He’ll make the catch with these targets but has to fight the ball.
Although he excels with active hands position, there are routes where he incorrectly chose passive position. He wins these targets at Monmouth, but it doesn’t project to success in the NFL.
As with several of the top prospects with strong hands, White will take hits to his side or chest while securing the football. Unlike Hakeem Butler, White has a film resume of extreme extensions for the ball that he won.
With the ball in his hands, White pulls through reaches. He keeps his feet moving to extend his frame through wraps for extra yards.
He has a straight-arm and he’s also strong enough to bounce off hits from defensive backs. If you didn’t know his dimensions, he looks like N’Keal Harry when working against many of his opponents.
Gauging his power requires some perspective. He’ll likely pull through reaches, but he won’t be pushing piles at the rate he did at Monmouth.
He has sharp, twitchy parallel cuts and he can layer his moves in sequence to find space. He also has quick hip flips to pivot to open space.
White switches the ball to the appropriate arm, but his carriage can get too loose in the open field. There wasn’t a lot to see with White’s blocking. He extends his arms, moves his legs, and delivers a hard push when he can lock on. Most his work came as a stalk blocker.
He has a good shot of earning a third-day pick. If the team that selects him is the organization that sent its veteran scout to the Pro Day, it will fit a need and his style of play will be familiar to the organization— even if it never had Marvin Jones on its roster.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: White is a good end-of-bench stash with high upside. Consider him in the fourth or fifth round.
Travis Fulgham, Old Dominion (6-2, 215)
Depth of Talent Score: 80.3 = Rotational Starter: Executes at a starter level in a role playing to their strengths (On the cusp of Contributor Tier).
Fulgham is a physical player with sticky hands as a receiver and blocker. He has a style similar to Michael Crabtree.
Fulgham does a notable job of earning separation with a three-step release. He pairs it with a reduction of his shoulder or drumming his arms with an outside release and then turning inside and clearing his man with the arm-over.
His rip and chips work right now but will need more violence. Fulgham gets off the line with low pads and will dip and stack effectively. He has some suddeness with his release moves.
Fulgham has notable acceleration when executing stems on intermediate and deep routes. With his long arms, quick turns, and willingness to lean into tight coverage, he does a good job of setting up his break—especially when he’s executing sudden speed breaks with tight turns.
Fulgham also runs a quick hook and hitch with one long drive step into the break. This drive step isn’t consistently on his tape, but he’s making strides.
He widens his stems late in his routes. When targeted near the boundary, he shows excellent technique with dragging his feet. While Fulgham can drag his feet at the boundary he must continue developing his skill to get both feet inside the boundary.
Fulgham makes effective back-shoulder turns and catches with good attack of the ball between Cover 2 defenders. He’ll take hits to his back—even two hits in succession by the safety and trailing cornerback— and still maintain possession of the ball. Fulgham also can take a hit to the chest on a skinny post and make the catch.
He’s a powerful runner who will drag safeties and his stiff-arm is powerful enough to ward off reaches, pull through wraps, and knock down defenders to get too close. Fulgham can spin off opponents and execute quick jump-stops to find space downfield.
His ball carriage is high, but the elbow can be tighter. He switches the ball as appropriate to the situation.
Fulgham’s stalk blocking is good enough to shield opponents with good hand placement and footwork. He’s the type of blocker who can be relentless once he latches onto his opponent.
Fulgham is likely a career backup but there’s enough promise to his game that the right opportunity and continued work could earn him a true shot at weekly production
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Fulgham is a good late-round pick for leagues with large rosters. He might earn a bump if a team is enamored with his potential and takes him on Day Two of the NFL Draft. I don’t expect this to happen.
Tier IV: The next 10 players could produce as players who routinely enter the lineup in specialized packages to leverage their skills. Some of them may even earn see a lot of volume in this tight-defined role.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Texas (6-4, 210)
Depth of Talent Score: 79.5 = Contributor: Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope (On the cusp of Rotational Starter Tier).
A former star running back in high school, Humphrey still plays like one in the open field and with selected runs between the tackles. He’s a big-slot weapon, who unlike fellow converted runner Jalen Hurd, will have to remain in the slot to earn a viable NFL career. While Humphrey’s prospects are more specialized, he could become a productive player for a team seeking a weapon with a game that physically resembles Marques Colston’s in execution but with more dynamic skills after the catch.
Humphrey has some upper-body moves to deal with tight coverage, including a shoulder-dip and arm- over. He can also do the duckwalk through his stem to freeze an opponent and set up other moves.
Most of the time, Humphrey lacks an effective plan against off-coverage and his hand-usage is raw. He gains leverage with setups that beg for him to use an arm-over or rip. He doesn’t recognize the situation, and as a result, Humphrey reverts to what he knows—dropping his pads and learning into his smaller opponents.
He has some suddenness with a shake, head fake, and even a small rip at the top of his stems. He alters his stride pace effectively during is stems, which will help him set up is breaks.
Humphrey has enough lower-body mobility to drop his weight low and cut inside a defender. He can point the toe to the sideline and flatten his breaks, although they could be a little flatter.
When Humphrey faces zone coverage, he turns and presents a good target in the open creases. Against contact, Humphrey struggles with his routes. He’s still gaining comfort with techniques and the physicality distracts him.
His outside breaks are often not flat enough and he winds up a step behind the arrival of the target. It’s possible Humphrey doesn’t know when to cut his route short in zone coverage.
Humphrey is one of several receivers in the top-30 with excellent hands, and he’d be a serious candidate for having the best hands in the class. He attacks the ball early and uses fingertips technique to secure the ball. He’s skilled at back-shoulder plays and tight coverage is nothing but a chance for him to show off how well he can adjust to a football, shield the opponent, and execute a tight pull-down while getting both feet inbounds.
Humphrey is an excellent rebounder but he also tracks the ball well over his shoulder and with his back to the passer. He also has the fluidity to turn opposite the momentum of his breaks to extend for the ball.
There are plays where Humphrey will use underhand technique when he should have made the opposite choice. He can also extend his arms a little more in isolated instances.
Overall, he’s an excellent box-out artist who also makes acrobatic catches and one-handed stabs in tight quarters with the opposition. The idea of Drew Brees throwing him open on back-shoulder seam routes, corner routes, or stop routes doesn’t seem far-fetched.
Although a tall runner, he’s shifty and runs gap plays with good footwork and strong pad level. He can reduce his shoulder to avoid reaches or drop the pads into defenders and either split them or push the pile. His stiff-arm is good at warding off reaches to his frame.
Pumphrey’s lateral movement is by no means extraordinary, but he times his cuts into a crease with an experienced eye for the blocking scheme. He often makes the first man miss with a stutter or slalom cut.
This is enough for Humphrey to break multiple tackles during a play because he reduces the angles of defenders into glancing shots that he can bounce off or pull through. If needed, he is big and strong enough to drop the hammer and run through some linebackers.
Texas even used Humphrey as a return specialist. He sets up creases and makes efficient moves to earn respectable gains.
Like a good runner, Humphrey carries the ball high and tight to his chest. The elbow can get a little loose and it exposes the ball. However, he routinely handles swipes and strikes to the ball-carrying arm without a problem.
Humphrey likes to keep his mind active in the run game and seek defenders to block when he’s not engaged with an assignment. He squares his opponents and delivers a double-jab with force when stalk blocking.
He hustles to his targets so he can punch someone and he’ll use an uppercut motion to punch when he initiates contact. His uppercuts aren’t as forceful, so he’ll need to work on the correct technique to roll his hips through the punch after closing the gap to the defender a little more.
While Humphrey moves his feet while engaged, he doesn’t mirror effectively. He’s a wall-off blocker who needs to move his feet with greater focus and intensity. Right now, he loses interactions after first contact.
Humphrey is a boom-bust prospect but not because of his skill as a receiver. The NFL values the tight end and speedy receivers. Humphrey is neither and few teams have the imagination and/or execution of the Saints to use a player with Humphrey’s hybrid skills without feeling like it’s missing something.
With the right fit, he could at least deliver production in the range of 500 yards and 5 touchdowns every year. If he became an offensive focal point, that total could easily double.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Humphrey’s fantasy value stands to change significantly after the NFL Draft. Before it, his average value is unpredictable because he’s the kind of player “that guy” in your league takes early, because he’s looking for his peers to praise his originality and eye for talent without regard to the strong likelihood that he’ll be a talented player without a good fit.
I know that guy. I used to be him when I first began playing. James Casey fans unite!
Olamide Zaccheaus, Virginia (5’8”, 190)
Depth of Talent Score: 78.75 = Contributor: Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Andy Isabella, Mecole Hardman, and to a lesser extent Penny Hart are earning pre-draft attention for their big-play slot work. Zaccheaus deserves consideration—in my opinion, more than those three.
A former running back that earns touches from the backfield as a scat back, he was also motioned around the Virginia offense. The Cavaliers also used Zaccheaus on the wing, in the slot, and on the perimeter.
When not seriously challenged at the line, Zaccheaus displays a rip, arm-over, swat, and a three-step release. He must develop more contingencies to overcome the jam because he doesn’t have an answer when an opponent gets his hands on him.
Zaccheaus is a good route runner. He’s knowledgeable about widening his stems and working into the blindspot of off-coverage to set up his breaks. He’ll use head fakes and stutters in timely ways to set up defenders at the top of his stems.
Zaccheaus accelerates well into his breaks and drops his weight effectively into hard breaks, working back to the ball. His turns have good snaps but his speed turns could be a little flatter if he brought his outside foot around his hips a little more so he maintains a straighter line.
Overall, Zaccheaus earns good depth on his routes and works back to an open spot as a receiver when the play breaks down. He finds open spots behind the first wave of zone coverage if his first break doesn’t earn a target. He excels at in-play adjustments after the first route fails to break open.
When working the perimeter, he’s aware of the boundary so he can stay in play for a target. When catching the ball near the boundary, he’s skilled at getting both feet inbounds and dragging his feet to maximize that outcome.
Zaccheaus is good at keeping off-coverage defenders guessing. His slants are crisp and sudden and his stop-start moves help him earn the back of the defender in tight coverage.
It’s important to highlight these skills because to the casual fan, Zaccheaus earns a lot of outlet passes and option pitches in the short game and he’s the beneficiary of rub routes on deeper pass plays. This is true, but it glosses over the route skills that Zaccheaus possesses that NFL quarterbacks will leverage better. Some of the routes he runs effectively that weren’t seen as often include the fade, the comeback, the deep post, and he sold all of them with good stem work.
Zaccheaus lacks the visual resume of the aerial artists scattered throughout this class, but he has reliable hands that would otherwise merit more praise. He snatches the ball with good extension and uses the correct techniques based on the location of the ball.
He adjusts well when facing high and low targets. He’ll leave his feet when necessary but he also has the tracking to extend his frame while still keeping his feet on the ground, which enhances his transitions upfield after the catch and limits his exposure to contact while securing the football.
When he’s facing contact at the catchpoint, Zaccheaus makes these plays, too. He’ll take hits and wraps while leaping or sliding for the ball. He has enough quickness and awareness to turn away from oncoming contact as soon as he makes the catch.
Zaccheaus is a good red zone receiver because of his route work, skill in tight quarters as a pass catcher, and his fast transitions. This includes extending for the marker as soon as he gets his hands on the ball. He finishes with low pad level, working under hits.
He’s an effective ball carrier on jet sweeps, turning the corner easily and threatening the angles of defensive backs in pursuit. He’s dangerous in all situations because he turns upfield so quickly and accelerates well. He often makes the first defender miss.
A former scatback, Zaccheaus lacks the power to do more than stalemate a linebacker or safety when facing direct contact. However, he’ll pull through reaches to his waist and legs and he’s a space player by design, so his skill to win interactions with smaller defensive backs is valuable.
Most of the time, Zaccheaus is seeking opportunities to win with his quickness and movement. He makes multiple men miss during a play because he has sharp cuts, quick stop-starts, an effective spin, and stutter steps.
Zaccheaus carries the ball high and has often used the correct arm that’s away from the nearest pursuit angle. His elbow can get a little loose from his frame and he carries the ball too often under his right arm when working to the left side of the field. On jet sweeps, he swings the ball a little too wide.
Zaccheaus didn’t miss game at Virginia but he dealt with a hamstring injury that limited him in 2017. He attributed the issue to poor dietary habits and learned that he had to address that issue if he didn’t want his quick-twitch muscle makeup to breakdown.
Zaccheaus, like the rest of the slot receivers on this list, has the talent to make an impact. Fit is even more important to this role than prospects that play flanker or split-end. Unless he can emerge as an every-down outside threat like Antonio Brown— another former slot option—his value has a wide range of potential outcomes.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Zaccheaus has earned little pre-draft attention and didn’t earn an invitation to the NFL Combine. He’s a likely UDFA candidate, which makes him a player to monitor from afar but with the talent to someday earn flex- appeal with a good NFL fit.
Penny Hart, Georgia State (5-8, 180)
Depth of Talent Score: 78.3 = Contributor. Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Hart is another favorite. A former high school running back down the road from RSP headquarters, Hart has similar appeal to Zaccheaus and Isabella. Right now, the community is enamored with Isabella’s speed but Hart and Zaccheaus are better ball carriers and more efficient route runners.
Hart has a lot of Richie James-like qualities to his game. If he can develop his game a little more, he could become more than a slot receiver. There are enough limitations that prevent me from projecting it as a certainty, but it adds intrigue to his profile and it’s something to monitor as he attempts to carve out a niche in the NFL.
He excels against press coverage because he executes moves from a fundamental understanding that he must always be attacking downhill and putting an opponent on his heels. Hart executes a variety of footwork techniques and pairs them efficiently with double swipes, shakes, arm-overs, and swats.
He’s especially skilled at foot-fires and rocker steps. He attacks downhill and with great quickness and acceleration to force defensive backs to react with urgency.
Hart is wise enough to self-scout and use pace variation with his stems so he’s less predictable. He’ll vary his footwork, his pacing, and widen his stems to bait defenders into giving him more space with his breaks.
Hart’s breaks are sudden, deep, and exit on a flat line. He makes sharp turns on speed breaks and deep weight drops on hard breaks. He’s a route runner with a Starter Tier grade.
These skills translate well to the slot, the perimeter, and when he’s running angle routes from the backfield. Hart excels at working with his quarterback to find open space—either within the same depth of zone or to a deeper area of the field.
Hart has good hands but there are some inconsistencies that could hold him back from becoming an outside receiver. He catches the ball with his hands and uses the correct techniques for the location of the targets.
Hart turns his torso effectively to the target, and he tracks the ball well. He doesn’t leave his feet to catch targets that he can snare with his feet on the ground. This reduces contact from defenders in the area while making the catch and hastens his transitions upfield.
He’s boundary-aware and will make toe-taps or sliding catches to ensure he remains in play at the catch point. Hart tracks the ball over his shoulders and displays skill to make uncomfortable extensions for targets.
Hart’s limitations as an outside receiver are due to his height and his techniques. Because he’s short, Hart has some difficulty catching high targets. His quarterbacks also have difficulty delivering the ball downfield at a trajectory that clears coverage but remains reachable for Hart.
As skilled as he is, Hart is often just shy of earning catches that receivers 2-3 inches taller make. He gives up a reach advantage to tight coverage and loses targets he initially secures because his opponents can knock the ball away. It’s great that he can pull down a target from the back-point of the ball but when there are dozens of receivers whose adjustments to the same catch aren’t that difficult, it doesn’t make Hart a great candidate for the perimeter.
Hart also drops passes when he cannot get his hands close enough together with high or low techniques. He also has lapses of focus and will clap his hands on the target rather than use the correct position.
The positive is that Hart rebounds from drops and authors clutch plays—often of difficulty for any sized receiver. Get him behind the coverage and these issues become moot. It makes him a good fit as a big-play slot receiver who can work underneath but also earn deep shots on rub routes, play action, and double moves that could put the defensive back in his tail lights.
Contact will generally bring Hart to the ground if it’s more substantial than a reach for his body. Making substantial contact with Hart is the difficult part.
His short-area acceleration after the catch is tremendous and tested against top competition. Because he’s not a candidate for Dancing with the Stars—something I occasionally wonder about with Isabella—Hart’s sharp and violent cuts in tight confines earn him space and creates ancillary fears about him when the play ends and the same defender Hart worked past now has to try to slow the receiver down at the line of scrimmage.
While he lacks notable long speed, his acceleration earns him 15-25 yards more than what most players would earn in similar situations. He runs with a wiggle and makes multiple defenders miss. His ground game is an excellent blend of efficiency and creativity.
Although he isn’t powerful, he finishes hard like a good former running back should. He pulls through
reaches, gets under the pads of defenders, and accelerates into contact. He’ll earn pushes of 5-7 yards against cornerbacks who aren’t prepared.
All of these skills have made him one of the best punt return specialists in college football. Hart may not earn an opportunity to play the slot early in his career but he should make a squad because of his return chops.
Hart tucks the ball under his sideline arm and secures the ball high to his chest but a little loose from his frame.
He’s developing greater patience as a stalk blocker against off-coverage and learning when to explode into contact with a square position supporting his strikes. He must move his feet better but there’s been improvement in this phase of Hart’s game over the years.
Overall, he’s a willing blocker who will transition from route runner to blocker and earn position on the defender. Hart will slant inside, punch, and drive until the defender is on the ground—including weakside linebackers. Still, Hart isn’t winning direct confrontations with larger opponents. He’s still cast aside easily in most of these situations.
Hart suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason that forced him out of two games and only played sparingly in a third. He also missed the 2016 season with a broken foot.
Hart will likely see the same fate as Richie James: He’ll have to create an opportunity as a late-round pick or UDFA and work his way up from the roster bubble. If he can limit his drops when height isn’t a factor, he should catch on and generate excitement about his big-play ability.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Hart is an exciting late-round, luxury stash in deep fantasy leagues.
Otherwise, monitor from afar until there’s confirmation of a good fit or an opportunity to see extended playing time.
Tyre Brady, Marshall (6-2, 211)
Depth of Talent Score: 77.75 = Contributor: Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope (on the cusp of the Reserve Tier).
While I believe Brady’s game is greater than the sum of its parts, I have doubts that surplus is as large as a player like Brandon Lloyd, who ran a 4.61-second, 40-Yard Dash and left his mark as one of the greatest aerial showmen in NFL history despite rarely achieving the season-long production and consistency of which he was capable.
Brady ran a 4.74-second, 40-Yard Dash. He has compensating traits to his game and his most significant flaws are addressable. If he continues to work like an overachiever, he’s capable of developing a frequently contributor—eventually a productive starter.
He’s a receiver who plays on the left and right side of the field. Based on what I saw on tape and the Senior Bowl, Brady has the speed to earn a step on press cornerbacks and earn separation on vertical routes up the sideline.
He also accelerates well with pads over his knees. The lack of data to confirm this acceleration is troubling for my evaluation, but when a receiver earns separation early in routes and has a slow 40- Yard Dash, it’s an indication that he possesses acceleration that compensates well enough to get deep.
His arsenal of release techniques includes a wipe, a rip, a shoulder dip, a swipe, and a chop. He consistently stacks once he earns separation and he often does when he can use various foot-fire lengths of two, three, and four steps. If Brady can’t maintain separation early, defenders recover and are tight to him, which is an indication that when he runs 30 and 40-yard routes, his acceleration did the initial job, but his long speed was unable to maintain the same rate as his acceleration.
When running shorter routes or facing off-coverage on deeper patterns, Brady maintains his eyes downfield and his pads over his knees through his stems. He does good work bending his route stems to widen zone defenders to a side so he can have more space to break inside.
His stride length and pace are steady and he knows when to attack the back of an opponent to and force that defender to turn his hips. Brady executes tight and flat turns on spreed breaks. His hard breaks have good drop of the hips and he works back to the quarterback. He sells the comeback and the curl with competence but can get better with the curl because he takes too many steps into its break.
Like the players hailing from the A.J. Green-Brandon Lloyd-Marvin Jones-Josh Reynolds Archetype, Brady is a flexible receiver who can bend low and catch the ball from a standing position. He tracks the ball over his shoulder on deep routes effectively and he can
turn his body back to the passer and catch the ball near his back shoulder while moving away from the target.
Brady lacks a top-tier vertical leap but times his leaps effectively and gives the illusion that he can extend his elevation for the ball. He often attacks the ball at the earliest point of the target’s window of arrival. However, a significant share of his attempts against tight targets feature Brady using passive hands position when active hands would be optimal. There’s reason for concern that his big plays at Marshall won’t translate in the NFL if he doesn’t shore up his technique choices.
Those big plays include one-handed catches with the defender holding Brady’s other arm while pushing Brady out of bounds—and somehow Brady dragged a foot to make it count. He routinely takes contact to his back at the boundary and drags the feet for the catch.
He’s comfortable making full extensions to high-point the ball and doing so with a defender’s arm across his line of sight and body in his chest. Brady tracks the ball well. He doesn’t need to leave his feet to extend for passes away from his frame. When he drops the ball, the vast majority of issues are related to focus or contact that might have occurred before he ever got his hands on the ball but it’s too close for an official to spot.
Although Brady spent this offseason adding additional weight to his frame to prepare for the rigors of the NFL, he showed contact balance and power against defensive backs. He extends through hits and wraps and often broke multiple wraps by defensive backs in a single play.
Brady has some exposures on tape where he lowers his pads into a linebacker that is running with greater momentum than Brady but the receiver still managed a stalemate. Against safeties, Brady can bounce off direct collisions. He also has a functional stiff-arm that wards off third-level defenders.
He transitions fast upfield with a tight turn, running through a wrap if a defender is close and has the acceleration to earn larger gains as a result. When he’s on-point, he’ll carry the ball with the arm away from the nearest pursuit angle but it’s not a consistent enough practice. The security also gets too loose in the open field, and he doesn’t secure it tightly enough when he transitions from the catch to the run.
Brady displays patience with stalk blocks to close the gap and square a defender. He locks his hands into the defender's chest and turns him away from the ball carrier. He’s stronger than he looks against defensive backs. Although he doesn't uppercut punch, he closes the gap well to get a push as an open field blocker and delivers timely strikes down field.
Brady transferred from the University of Miami. While there, he missed three games in 2016 due to violation of team rules.
I’m a fan of Brady’s competitive nature and ability to find dynamic solutions to difficult problems in the passing game. He was Marshall’s passing game for two years and performed at a high level.
Brady also had quietly impressive moments in Mobile during Senior Bowl practices. He and Deebo Samuel were the only two receivers who consistently earned separation against press coverage, and Brady didn’t struggle with separation on vertical routes during the week.
If he refines his breaks, which he should, he’ll be capable of performing at a tier of a rotational starter. And if Brady’s hand position on these difficult targets with specific difficulty translates, he could emerge as an every-week starter.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: I’m betting Brady will be a draft-day afterthought. He’ll be a stashable late-round pick in deep leagues or a player to monitor from afar. If he’s drafted earlier—possibly as high as the fourth round if teams value his potential as a route runner and dynamic pass catcher—Brady could earn a fourth or fifth-round pick in a dynasty format.
Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Hall is the classic deep threat with some promise to develop into a more complete player. He has tantalizing potential.
Hall exits the line with his pads over his knees and accelerates to top speed as if it’s effortless. He runs by cornerbacks if they don’t jam him.
He has a sudden stop-start release, three-step pattern, and hard stick that can also set up a rocker step. The rocker step isn’t effective.
Because he strikes fear on a lot of college opponents, he earns off-coverage. However, he often folds when challenged. He has a swipe and some pace variation with his releases and stems but he’s re-routed too easily and pinned to the boundary.
Hall’s best move is a quick attack to the outside shoulder of an opponent and then cut across the man’s face and swim over his reach.
When he’s not stretching the field, Hall has the mobility to drop his weight into hard breaks. He must learn to take one drive step rather than multiple steps. He also doesn’t break back to the ball consistently—there’s improvement but it must continue improving.
He’s much better at deeper routes where he can work into the blindspot of his opponent or widen the defender’s position during the stem. When attacking
boundary targets, Hall displays good awareness of the stripe and can get both feet in the ground to keep the ball in play.
Hall is a graceful pass catcher who can reach high for the ball when squared to the target as well as track it over his head in stride downfield. He has the agility to turn against the momentum of his break to extend wide for the ball make the reception.
Hall has focus drops and when he drops one, he’s at risk for repeated drops during a contest. He must secure the ball to his body faster.
He’s quick enough to make the first man miss in tight spaces. He has effective stop-start moves and his stick is violent enough to setup inside-out maneuvers to reach open space. He must develop more kinds of elusive movement because he leans too much on stop-starts and stutters that slow him down in high-traffic areas.
Hall exclusively carries the ball under his right arm, regardless of where he’s running. The elbow is loose from his frame.
He’s also slow to react as a blocker. He shields but doesn’t punch or drive opponents off their spot. Hall has an uppercut motion to earn position with his hands but there’s no force behind it. He also spots opportunities to peel from his primary assignment to a secondary option with an angle to the ball but he’s slow to react.
Hall has a choice. He can work his tail off and become a viable NFL starter or he can coast on his current skills and be an end-of-roster tease. We’ll see which one it is soon enough.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Hall is a big upside stash at the end of drafts that might earn a draft pick and then build fantasy value that he doesn’t yet merit.
Antoine Wesley, Texas Tech (6-4, 206)
Depth of Talent Score: 76.65 = Contributor. Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Wesley has the skills to become a meaningful contributor. The bigger question is if he can cross the divide and become a productive starter. There are parts of his game that show this kind of promise.
Wesley plays exclusively from the left side of the formation. He has some quick-twitch skills but also uses his length well as a receiver. If you could take Keenan Allen and Josh Allen and blend them into a player—but forgot to add the proper amount of ingredients that will generate immediate consistency—Wesley will be the final product poured into that glass.
Wesley lacks great speed, but he’s quick and lanky and uses these traits to his advantage at the line of
scrimmage. He varies the pace of his release footwork at the line and he has a variety of foot-fire lengths and a rocker step that he uses effectively.
Wesley will pair these moves with a long-arm, an arm-over, a chop, and a double-swipe. His chop is violent.
Patient and athletic cornerbacks can pin Wesley to the boundary and ride him through his stems. He’s at his best when running corner routes. His speed isn’t enough to catch safeties in the open field—even if he’s only a step behind for 30-40 yards.
Wesley’s best fit might be in the red zone and the shorter regions of the field. He’s not considered a slot receiver but if he’s not fast enough to threaten defensive backs in the vertical game, a role change could be considered.
His suddenness is good enough to earn separation against tight coverage on short routes like fall-outs, corner fades, short posts, outs, and other patterns with quick turns or angled breaks setup with his manipulations off the line.
Wesley takes the back of the defender when it’s given to him. He also effectively sells the route that works in the opposite direction of intended break.
His breaks are technically-sound—both hard and speed turns. He’s capable of breaking back to the ball but has to become more conscientious about flattening his breaks—especially on routes where trailing defenders will recover and undercut the route.
Because Wesley’s breaks often lack the requisite flatness to prevent defenders from recovering, it’s holding him back from the starter grade in the RSP analysis. To a lesser extent, the same is true with his weight drop on harder breaks. His releases from the line and setups with his stems for these hard- breaking routes are good, but the break is what ties the whole process together and it’s where Wesley is often coming up short.
He’s better at longer-stemmed routes with angular breaks like the burst corner route, but these patterns work best in more compressed ranges of the field and with quick-hitting throws because he lacks speed. As well as Wesley runs a corner route, he must improve his boundary skills so he can get both feet inbounds. This includes dragging the foot rather than toe-topping.
Although Wesley tells a good story with his route running, details are sketchy. His turns need more suddenness when he’s running intermediate routes. He and his quarterback had communication issues with route adjustments. And his route depths have some inaccuracies.
Wesley has good hands, but they aren’t good enough to become a clutch performer. The potential is there, but the decision-making is not.
He can use the appropriate technique for the location of the target but doesn’t consistently enough and it leads to untimely drops. He’s especially inconsistent with using high-hands techniques on targets arriving above his waist.
Wesley must attack the ball more than he does on tight coverage routes like fades, back-shoulder plays, and posts. He can get away with this behavior in the college game and be a productive starter, but his lapses against quality opponents is an indication that he’ll struggle at a higher level if he doesn’t address the issue. When he’s playing to his ability, he makes good aerial adjustments against tight coverage and even contact to his back.
After the catch, Wesley pulls through reaches and lowers his pads through contact from defensive backs for extra yards. His stiff-arm is also effective at warding off contact.
Because Wesley is quick, he’s had past success with stop-start moves to earn space and generate yardage. He’ll still have success with these moves but he cannot overuse them because pursuit is quicker in the NFL.
He’s patient and sets up blocks well, but he must attack downhill with greater efficiency and use moves that support a downhill mentality more often than he does. This begins with transitions where he bends and turns upfield rather than coming to a complete stop before turning.
He has enough speed to earn 40-50 yards in the open field, which will be enough for him to generate big plays on the occasion he finds open field.
However this won’t be a common occurrence.
Wesley plays only on the left side, so I only saw him tuck the ball under his left arm. The carriage is high enough but loose at the elbow.
Despite his thin frame for his height, Wesley has potential as a run blocker. When run plays are headed to his side of the field, he will punch, lock his hands onto the opponent, and drive the defender backwards until the whistle. He can handle hybrid- sized linebackers and defensive backs in the stand- up game and he’s violent with his hands.
The details are missing from his game that will elevate Wesley’s work. He extends his hands too high onto the opponent’s frame and it creates leverage advantages for the defender.
Wesley punches with a jab more than an uppercut but when he issues the uppercut he bends at the waist rather than rolls through his hips. He loses force with his strikes as a result.
He also must close the gap before he strikes. Otherwise, Wesley leans into contact and gives up any potential to win the outcome.
Wesley had surgery in May 2018 on his hip, but he was available for the start of the season.
At this point, Wesley is closer to a reserve-caliber talent than he is a regular contributor off the bench. If sent into the game, there will be things he can do effectively—short routes, red zone use, and boundary routes against zone coverage—but consistency and refinement are holding him back from greater things.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Wesley is a late- round pick. However, he will have some avid supporters and could earn an earlier selection than I’m projecting. Unless there’s an NFL team that is in love with Wesley and drafts him before the fourth round, let someone else take him in the middle rounds. If he falls to the end of the draft, he’s worth a practice squad spot.
Greg Dortch, Wake Forest (5-7, 173)
Depth of Talent Score: 76.65 = Contributor. Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Dortch is a returner with some backfield skills who is still learning the slot position. While still developing, he’s a tough playmaker willing to work the middle and has the speed to get deep.
Dortch comes off the line with his pads over his knees and threatens his opponents downfield. He uses two- and three-step patterns, but they aren’t convincing enough because he’s not getting enough range of step outside the bubble of the opponent— especially when he makes the effort to deliver a stick.
He’s better with a shake move. When he’s successful off the line against man coverage, he’ll use an arm- over or a dip of the shoulder.
Dortch is at his best with release moves at the top of his stems. This is where his shake and arm-overs work. He can freeze off-coverage defenders or manipulate them with the directions of his stems.
Despite successful stem work, Dortch doesn’t do enough with the shape of his stems to get the same result in the NFL. He must learn to take the back of his defender and work into the blind spot.
Dortch’s turns have quickness and he executes one- step stops at the top of his stems. His breaks on routes breaking inside or outside are flat and he will set up the moves with pace variation. However, the variation isn’t sharp enough to catch opponents off- guard.
Right now, he benefits most from rub routes or zone coverage. These matchups are frequent enough that he can contribute in the NFL but it limits his upside.
Despite his quickness,, Dortch doesn’t sell his double moves effectively. His routes are not compelling enough to force opponents to buy into the first move of the double move. He’s barely getting open with
these moves and it has more to do with his athletic ability than his technical prowess. This doesn’t project well to the NFL.
If he faces off-man or tight man, he’s at his best on shorter routes with quick stems and breaks.
Dortch is a tough and fearless pass catcher. He’ll take hits from safeties into his chest and maintain possession of targets heading into the teeth of the defense. However, he’s inconsistent against contact.
He uses appropriate techniques at the catch point and he’s athletic enough to make leaping extensions for targets. Yet, his reach exceeds his grasp because he lacks the grip strength to win some of these extensions. He also needs to win the ball more often on first touch.
He’s skilled at reaching for the ball without leaving his feet unless necessary, which is a good indication of his tracking ability. He also drags his toes at the boundary on targets near the sideline. If Dortch can become more consistent against contact, he’d be a more dynamic playmaker.
Like most good slot receivers, Dortch makes skillful transitions after breaking back to the ball. He makes quick dips to split defenders in traffic and will drag smaller defensive backs on his back for 4-6 yards. He has a stiff-arm that will ward off reaches and he leans well through contact.
Dortch carries the ball high, but could hold it a little tighter. Expecting much from Dortch as a blocker is foolish, but like Marquise Brown, he can get tight to an opponent and shield him along the perimeter. He also can run off defenders with deeper routes.
On the occasions Dortch cut blocked, he had some timing issues with his approach and dove too late into the opponent. He lost balance rebounding head- first off the waist of the defender.
As a freshman, Dortch had season-ending abdominal surgery.
A productive ACC receiver that was the focal point of the passing offense, Dortch has the quickness and the grit, but currently lacks the refinement and consistency to match. He should challenge for a roster spot with his return prowess and with a good impression as a slot receiver in camp, he could earn another year to improve his game and develop into a contributor from the bench.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Add Dortch to the list of slot candidates with big-play upside. Keep in mind that there are more big-play spread slot receivers in this draft than there are offenses that will remotely value them. Draft late as a luxury pick or monitor from afar.
Andy Isabella, UMass (5-9, 188)
Depth of Talent Score: 76.5 = Contributor. Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
The belle of the slot receiver ball in 2019, Isabella is a quick and fast slot option with big-play capabilities. He’s coveted more in other circles than the RSP (see the Overrated Section for additional details) because Isabella’s dancing at the line of scrimmage and after the catch isn’t as much of a concern for them.
Isabella’s speed earned him a lot of off-coverage respect in the college game. He’ll also get it in the NFL but not with the same frequency. While he’ll beat safeties with his acceleration as he splits them up the seam of zone coverage, he’ll have to put his dips and rips that he often reserves at the tops of his stems into play at the line of scrimmage.
Isabella has the moves to win off the line. He could reprise Dance Fever with his shakes, stutters, dips, sticks, and foot-fires.
This earns a lot of love from the beat reporters and draft analysts who gather around a practice field to watch him move in one-on-one drills like he’s in a pop-and-lock dance-off on a cardboard box spread across a street corner. Good cornerbacks don’t care.
They’re patient, and when they give Isabella a quick shot with their hands and get into his body, UMass Pop-and-Lock soon discovers that he lacks a solution quick enough to find the ball. Or, he’s too distracted from the contact to regain focus as the ball arrives.
He should watch game tape—not practice YouTube tape—of quick NFL receivers with strong release skills. Or, he could watch Penny Hart’s tape from the Senior Bowl because that’s sudden efficiency personified.
When Isabella dances less and attacks downfield more, the belle of the ball can rip, arm-over, wipe, and reduce his shoulder past opponents and his speed becomes a much greater factor. Until he corrects this tendency to dance until he’s sufficiently baited a corner, his work will be exciting but lacking efficiency.
When not challenged to a dance-off, Isabella eats the cushion of off-coverage with a disturbing quickness and he can put opponents on their heels. This sets up sudden stops. Isabella can drop his weight and work back to the football with immediacy.
These moves also set up an effective out-and-up, hitch-and-go, and other double moves that are based on hard breaks or speed turns. Isabella is a true threat to get behind a secondary.
The threat is diminished when defenders play the receiver tight and get physical with him. He lacks the presence to earn position with the ball in the air.
Isabella catches the ball with his hands away from his frame. He’ll take a hit to his back and still come down with the ball, which is important because he won’t have a pro career if he can’t get open underneath and catch the ball with contact.
He must extend his arms further on targets above his head, and he’s not reliable against physical play from tight coverage. Consistent deep threats can win the ball in the air. DeSean Jackson entered the league 20 pounds lighter than Isabella, but he could always win against tight coverage and take a hit.
Otherwise, Jackson would be little more than a gadget player. Isabella’s receiving game is far more suited to shallow zones and deep gadget plays. This can work in a spread offense or with a team that’s creative with Isabella’s vertical looks. However, get hands on Isabella early in the route and there’s good reason to believe he’ll disappear for quarters at a time.
When he’s in space, Isabella transitions upfield quickly and he can make multiple opponents miss with small moves that are sudden and sharp. The more Isabella relies on sidesteps and downhill cuts, the better. Otherwise his start-stops, stutters, and lateral movement will look good while listening to De La Soul but it would not earn him much.
Isabella practices good ball security, carrying the ball high and tight to his chest. His quickness affords him indirect angles that he often pulls through with twists and turns, or at least extends through the contact to fall forward.
Isabella has lapses with the arm he should be using to carry the ball, and he still favors his right arm.
When he’s hit flush, he’s going down. And despite having dynamic movements, his stride length is so short that the movements don’t have the same effect as they would with a player possessing a longer stride.
Friend of the RSP, Gene Clemmons, a former college wide receiver and contributor at Emory Hunt’s Football Gameplan, made an astute observation to me about Steve Smith last summer, stating that Smith’s dynamic skill as a deep threat and open-field runner had a lot to do with a long stride relative to his height. Smith has the stride of a 6’4” receiver and it placed tremendous pressure on defenders, whether they were covering him on a route or pursuing him in the open field. Isabella’s cuts are effective, but they’re not as dynamic in a game environment because of a shorter stride.
Isabella overruns his assignments as a blocker and doesn’t keep his feet moving when he earns contact, which diminishes his ability to sustain his effort. He tends to catch contact from opponents rather than being the aggressor.
There’s a real chance that Isabella will find a good offensive fit. He can become a reliable contributor as a slot receiver who will occasionally benefit as a vertical option on plays that use play-action,
misdirection, or rub routes to get him behind a defense without encountering physical coverage.
There’s also a real chance Isabella struggles against more physical, savvier, and faster players who stifle him before he can express the strengths of his game. Speed is seductive but it can be flash without substance. Isabella has substance, but possibly not enough to make a lasting impact.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Before the NFL Draft, Isabella could earn a third- or fourth-round pick in fantasy leagues based on hopes that he’ll be a PPR king with big-play ability. I suspect Isabella will earn no better than a fourth- or fifth-round pick and his value will fall.
If an NFL team is enamored with him and he’s a second or third-round pick, his value will rise dramatically. Figure out his potential value and if you’re more aligned with my opinion on him than the consensus, strategize how you can earn value at another position—or other receiver that you covet more.
Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Mitchell is a boom-bust prospect with strong upside. However, he drops a ton of passes and, as described earlier in this chapter, Mitchell has a reputation for not being a worker. If that changes his issues are addressable and he would’ve had a Rotational Starter grade with potential to develop into a full- time starter as opposed his current Contributor grade.
Some Oregon fans have the sentiment that Mitchell could be “the next” Odell Beckham, Jr. There are a lot of compelling similarities, although there’s a small but meaningful gap between the two in regards to talent and a much larger one when considering consistent execution.
Mitchell possesses excellent quickness and dynamic change of direction. He uses it to turn his opponents’ inside-out at the line of scrimmage with his footwork. He has skilled foot-fires, duck-walks, rocker steps, and pivots that he’ll use in tandem with arm-overs, shoulder-dips, two-handed swipes, and chops. Overall, he’s unpredictable at the line and it makes him a tough draw.
He’s quick enough to come to a sudden stop after accelerating to a strong pace, which leads to dynamic speed breaks. He also has the skills to put opponents on their heels, manipulate the angle of a stem, and turn the off-coverage defender in a circle, stacking them as he runs by.
Mitchell consistently sells the vertical outcome as well as routes breaking opposite of the one he intends to run. He breaks back to the ball well on
curls and comebacks and makes tight turns— especially at the boundary to setup receptions that stay inbounds.
When his route doesn’t earn a target or the quarterback breaks the pocket, Mitchell slides to clean space and can also work open with efficient movement.
Mitchell extends his arms from his frame and catches targets with his hands, but he could extend with greater length.Too often, he allows the ball into his frame. This is thematic of his work as a receiver. He can use all of the correct techniques, extend high or low, reach wide or make plays inside his frame, and do it all against tight coverage and hard hits.
However, everything he does lacks consistency of technique, focus, and wise decision-making.
It’s the product of a talented player who is winging it every weekend rather than putting in the daily work that incrementally makes him prepared for the detailed demands of specific scenarios. Because he’s winging it and these small details aren’t a subconscious part of his game, Mitchell’s inconsistencies are leading him down the road to a career death by a thousand paper cuts.
If he caught half of the balls he dropped, he could contribute immediately and develop into a starter within a year two—maybe earlier. If he caught most of the balls he dropped, teams would expect Mitchell to earn a starting role immediately.
A more significant issue with Mitchell’s pass-catching is tracking the ball over his shoulder. He makes catches over his shoulder, but there are too many instances to ignore where he fights the ball or completely misses getting his hands on the target when he had more than enough room to extend his arms without even compromising his gait.
Count on Mitchell to earn a lot of early buzz in pads and shorts when he’s making back-shoulder grabs, extending fully for low throws, and beating opponents deep. Also count on the carriage turning into a pumpkin by midseason—if by some miracle the clock doesn’t strike midnight before the second week of August.
If he dedicates himself—and I hope he does—he’ll deserve every bit of that buzz. The onus is on Mitchell to prove he’s for real.
Mtichell has excellent first-step quickness and can make the first, and second, and sometimes even the third man miss. He executes 90 degree turns with flexible ankles and hips and he’ll often turn against the flow of pursuit and find cutbacks inside for strong gains in the open field.
Mitchell sets up defenders with a head fake or a stutter-step in close quarters and then spins or lowers his pads through wraps. He pulls through contact from defensive backs.
He comes to sudden stops that open creases, ones that other receivers rarely access. It makes him a
dangerous player in the middle zones—especially in compressed areas of the field like the red zone.
Mitchell is a patient, savvy runner with peripheral vision and efficient decisions. Although Mitchell’s ball security is a little loose at the elbow, he carries the ball high to his chest and uses the left or right arm based on the pursuit.
Mitchell’s quickness affords him opportunities to earn ideal position against man coverage so he can transition from route runner to blocker, and he often exploits it. He will latch onto corenrbacks and generate a push or turn the opponent away from the ball.
When stalk blocking, Mitchell strikes with some pop and moves his feet to earn better position. His hands can get too high on the opponent’s pads. He also waits too long to make first contact and it diminishes the frequency in which he can maintain a connection with the opponent.
Although his punches have some sting, he jabs rather than uppercuts and must learn to use that uppercut motion so he’s efficiently delivering with force and in position to latch on and drive or turn the defender.
Dillon suffered concussions in 2017 and 2018.
Although I don’t grade for character or worth ethic, Mitchell’s lack of attention to detail is reflected in the evaluation. If I actually graded work ethic, he might be another 10-12 spots lower.
Young players can mature and it’s not like Mitchell has committed a violent crime. Most of the people reading this profile have been guilty of not working maniacally hard at something during their early 20s that would have benefitted them tremendously.
If Mitchell loves the game and discovers that he could also love the craft of developing his game, his talent is commensurate with a grade 15-20 spots higher.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Mitchell is a late- round fantasy pick that you hold for a year on a practice squad with the hope that he dedicates himself to his profession.
Juwann Winfree, Colorado (6-1, 210)
Depth of Talent Score: 76.35 = Contributor: Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
In stark contrast to Dillon Mitchell is Winfree. He has has the same Depth of Talent Score but a lower Breadth of Talent grade. His upside isn’t as great as Mitchell, but he’s a worker.
Winfree works out regularly with former Rutgers wide receiver coach Drew Lieberman, who runs the Sideline Hustle website. Lieberman has been on the
Lieberman works with a variety of players, including tight end Jace Sternberger. Winfree has been a steady client and featured on Lieberman’s YouTube channel frequently as an example of how perform certain route-running tasks.
The work is paying off. Winfree is 13 pounds heavier and only a step slower than Mitchell in terms of long speed, but he’s also quick and his 20-Shuttle is a hair better. While ranked a spot lower than Mitchell if counting the Breadth of Talent tiebreaker, there’s a greater likelihood that Winfree has a better career if we count work ethic.
Winfree lacks Mitchell’s skill at the line of scrimmage but Winfree is pretty good and he’s gaining fast. He has a rip move, a wipe, and a chop he’ll pair with various foot-fires, and a freeze-release. Once past the opponent, he can stack or hold off pursuit over the course of 45-60 yards, depending on the opponent.
While not noticed in games, his practice tape reveals an issue with getting and staying set in his initial stance. This could be a problem solely limited to practice as he’s learning new material for drills, but it appears to be a habit that could lead to false start penalties in a training camp.
He must work on staggering his feet with greater depth so they aren’t parallel during his releases. Otherwise, Winfree will be prone to getting knocked off-balance when a defender jams him in his chest plate.
He also has some false steps through his release when he has lapses of concentration on the task. When the routes are quick-hitting plays, Winfree can look too soon to the quarterback and tip off the route to linebackers or trailing defensive backs.
As mentioned, Winfree routinely stacks his opponent and sells the vertical possibility well in his routes. He has a good head fake to set up breaks and will manipulate opponents with his stems.
With shorter-breaking routes, Winfree must maintain a lower pad level at the top of of his breaks. He’s skilled at dropping and sinking his weight into the hard breaks back to the quarterback and working back to the passer.
His turns through breaks are quick and he’s sudden with his drive step into speed outs. Dig routes are a little thornier. He’s learning not to drop, break, drop, break, drive, and run out the straight line of the break. Instead, he needs to drop, break, drive, and “line.” When he eliminates these false steps, he’ll earn more separation as he accelerates through the turn.
On vertical routes, Winfree holds the line of his stems effectively without drifting to the sideline. He’s skilled at double-moves like the dino route, breaking
into the blindspot of the corner back to set up his final break.
A strong pass catcher, Winfree extends for the football with impressive height. He also catches the ball in stride with his hands away from his frame as well as gathers in low targets on the move without breaking stride.
He handles throws that come in hot and in an unexpected location. This includes turning away from the momentum of his break path to make acrobatic full extensions to the ball errantly thrown behind him—and bring it down after contact from a defender.
Winfree usually attacks the ball at the earliest window of arrival, but he also makes catches that travel over his hand and require an extreme arch of the back to make the play at a late window.
Contact during the act of the catch doesn’t faze Winfree and that includes direct collisions heading into his sight line. His boundary awareness and execution of staying inbounds is refined.
A quick player, Winfree has a spin move and smooth dips to make the first man miss. He’s big enough to run through wraps and reaches as well as work through direct contact with a push or lean for additional gains. Once at full speed, Winfree only needs two small steps to dip inside pursuit with a cutback. His jump cuts are also sharp.
Winfree’s ball security incorporates a high-and-tight method. He’ll use either arm as pursuit dictates.
A good blocker, Winfree earns the hand position to turn a defender in the run game when in the open field. He must deliver the first punch. He has the size to dictate position when he does so. In fact, he has tape where he slides inside, squares linebackers, and knocks them down with good punches to their chests.
Winfree, like Mitchell also risks a career death by a thousand paper cuts if he cannot fix the various details of route running that could hold him back. However, he’s a worker who seems a lot closer to shoring up these errors.
He strikes me as one of those Packers wide receivers of the past 15-20 years most fans never heard of until they began producing in the starting lineup— smart, refined players with just enough athletic ability for big plays and consistent production.
While not seen as a “Packers type,” Winfree physically and technically has a game that resembles and is aspirational of Michael Crabtree. If he can advance to this level of play, he’ll reach the ceiling of his potential and be a multi-year starter.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Winfree is a late- round stash in large PPR leagues that might be worth
holding if he’s drafted. Based on the number of receivers in this class with high profiles, it’s unlikely. He has a hard climb ahead but workers often overcome difficult obstacles.
Tier V: The next 19 players have limitations that will keep them on the bench or special teams early in their careers. There will be exceptional cases that address deficiencies fast enough to ascend to a contributor role— perhaps even a rotational starter.
Shawn Poindexter, Arizona (6-4, 212)
Depth of Talent Score: 74.75 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution (On the cusp of Contributor Tier).
Poindexter could earn a priority free agent contract or even a late pick. He’s a late-riser during draft season. He plays on the right and left sides of the formation and he’s a skilled aerial artist with good height and reach.
He will have to develop an array of release moves. At this point, he leans on a wipe, an arm-over, and a chop with some short foot-fire patterns. He displayed some ability to anticipate a jam and overcame it.
When he earns a clean release, he has burst off the line. He’ll take the back shoulder of an off-coverage defender when given it and he’ll break back to the ball. His speed breaks and hard breaks both need refinement. He has some slips and falls trying to break on routes like digs and hitches. Poindexter displays some skill to drop his weight but needs to bend deeper.
He attacks the ball well, extending from his frame and uses the correct technique for the location of the ball. He tracks the ball well on targets arriving over his shoulder. He secures targets against tight coverage, in stride, as well as after contact. Where many receivers have a bad habit of using underhand technique when reaching over the shoulder’s of a defender on a tightly-covered fade route, Poindexter displays the correct judgment to use overhand technique that affords him more control of the ball once its secured.
He has a strong enough stiff-arm to drop opponents to the ground as he’s turning the corner to open field. He’s agile enough to transition from the stiff- arm to a jump cut inside a second defender and then drag a third man for extra yards. He’d benefit from lower pad level at the end of runs.
If he develops his routes and displays more speed and quickness than projected based on tape review, Poindexter could be a developmental gem.
Otherwise, he’s a reserve with contributor upside.
Depth of Talent Score: 74.55 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution (On the cusp of the Contributor Tier).
If the RSP could hold a “best-hands” contest for this class, it would tell the NFL Combine’s Gauntlet Drill to take a long walk off a short pier into a spiked pit with a giant worm that had a mouth filled with razor- sharp Megalodon teeth.
Then, it would then instill a tournament bracket with a cash prize. The contest would feature a specific number of throws delivered to the receivers over a period of three on-field sessions.
Each session would feature a set of short and intermediate throws over the middle and the boundary. This would include one-on-one matchups with a corner and two-on-one matchups with a safety coming from the middle of the field.
Essentially, we’d be working from the red zone at the 5, 10, or 20 yard-line.
Steve Smith, Randy Moss, Brandon Lloyd, Larry Fitzgerald, and Odell Beckham, Jr. would be my judges and select the defenders. They would also help me form the criteria for scoring the performances.
I’d invite 16 of the best aerial artists in this class to compete. Here’s my list (in alphabetical order):
A.J. Brown
D.K. Metcalf
Deebo Samuel
Emmanuel Butler
Felton Davis
Hakeem Butler
Juwann Winfree
Kelvin Harmon
Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Miles Boykin
N’Keal Harry
Preston Williams
Reggie White, Jr.
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
Travis Fulgham
Tyre Brady
Since I eliminated the need for speed, it would level the playing field for slower options. If I were asked to predict a potential underdog who would shock the tourney and walk away with the cash, Davis would be at the top of my list.
He might not earn style points but considering the type of throws that would be made, earning the ball in these difficult conditions would be impressive enough. In fact, I could imagine Davis telling the sideline reporter in his post-victory interview that it was just like another weekend as a Spartan.
Davis wasn’t explosive prior to tearing his Achilles’ tendon. His best shot of sticking with a team and contributing will come a year from now as a big-slot
option. This contest daydream serves as a reminder that you should monitor Davis in 2020.
He played in the slot as well as the left and right sides of the field at Michigan State. He’s a physical player with a chop, a dip-and-rip, and an arm-over used in combination with a wide variety of footwork maneuvers.
Although Davis lacks top-end speed, his acceleration and change of direction were strong before the injury. He sold the arm-over with especially good pace variation. If he forced a cornerback into a bad angle, Davis could maintain his separation.
Davis widens stems, sells double-moves on routes with angular breaks with believable baiting of the fake route, and he is excellent at boxing out opponents on short targets. He works back to the ball and uses his hands with precision to earn position through his break and back to the ball.
This dark horse of the RSP Tourney of My Imagination is a tight-quarters pass-catching monster. He snatches the ball with violence and with a wide catch radius. This includes targets he cannot catch during the earlier windows because he’s dealing with tight coverage. Still, he manages to reach behind him into the past and pull the ball back to the present day.
If the early windows are reaching into the future, then windows close to the body or aligned with it are the present and the windows behind the body are the past.
Then it must be said: Felton Davis is a pass-catching time machine.
He’s skilled at jumping back to the ball on fade routes thrown behind him. He pulls targets away from defenders in his face. And he can reach behind his break and one-arm the ball over the shoulder of the trailing defender and take a hard shot to his chest by an oncoming safety with an urgent need to make a wide receiver sandwich.
A healthy Davis could become a productive slot receiver who makes big plays in tight quarters in clutch situations. He’s not a speedster, he won’t run with a lot of power, and he’s not an aggressive blocker. But he’s the guy that the offense wants their quarterback to feed when the game gets real.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Monitor from afar or if you have a healthy-sized injured reserve, take him late or during your first waiver wire run and plan to stash him in IR if he’s placed on PUP. I believe this will be the course of action.
Mecole Hardman, Georgia (5-10, 187)
Depth of Talent Score: 74.35 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Hardman is a small bundle of excitement that has a lot of fans. He’s considered an underused commodity that will have a better NFL career than a college career.
He has speed to easily beat defensive backs one-on- one without getting jammed. He earns easy separation on safeties and nickel corners. When tightly covered, he showed some skill to get free with a three-step release and an arm-over—usually at the top of his stems on intermediate and vertical routes.
Hardman, like Marquise Brown, will set up routes with quick and hard sticks that turn opponents inside out. He needs to sell his head fakes a little more with the help of his pads when baiting defenders at the top of his stems. His breaks are tight and flat on speed turns.
Hardman can attack the football at its earliest points of arrival. He also has the flexibility to high point or extends past his shins on the move without breaking stride. He can track over his shoulder in the vertical game as well as post up with back-shoulder fades and jump balls throwing him open up the deep seam.
Hardman catches the ball with a defender hanging off him or delivering contact to his back. As long as he’s able to make an adjustment in rhythm and within the structure of the route and target plan, Hardman wins the ball and looks like a top pass- catching weapon.
However, there are targets that require unplanned, off-rhythm, odd-angled adjustments that go against the grain of the rhythm and design of the route.
These are the money plays that Hardman struggles to secure. He lacks the high-end hand-eye- coordination and tracking to deal with tight coverage and contact or odd adjustments in these situations.
Hardman has an excellent first step and can drop pads through the defense, splitting defensive backs for a few yards. He spins off contact and pulls through the reaches and wraps of defenders his size or a little larger. He lacks the size and strength to run through most collisions, but he has enough strength to stalemate a small linebacker head-on and use a stiff-arm to spin away.
Hardman works inside and delivers a push with square position on safeties. He will deliver quick uppercuts and hook into the jersey to deliver a small push and latch onto cornerbacks. He carries the ball high to his chest and with a little give at the elbow.
An All-American returner and coverage player on kicks, Hardman will likely stick to a roster due to his return skills. While possible Hardman could develop into a top slot talent, he ran a lot of routes against
off coverage with mismatches he won’t earn as often in the NFL.
His hands are good enough to accomplish in the NFL what he did at Georgia and he’s a big-play runner. He needs more refinement with routes and the buzz surrounding him seems larger than his current development is capable of supporting.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Hardman’s draft stock is high enough before the NFL Draft that he’s likely regarded in dynasty leagues as no worse than a third-round fantasy selection. I don’t think he’ll offer the consistency to merit such a selection and until we know which NFL team selects Hardman, I’m regarding his fantasy upside with skepticism.
Terry McLaurin, Ohio State (6-0, 208)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.95 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
McLaurin earned a lot of buzz for his performance at the Senior Bowl after a career as a special team’s maven and rotational contributor for the Buckeyes. He shined as a route runner and showed off his downfield ability. The love intensified when McLaurin added a strong audition at the NFL Combine, demonstrating his speed, quickness, and change of direction.
He played on the left and right sides of the Buckeyes’ offense during his career. At the line of scrimmage, McLaurin uses a rocker step and a three-step reelase. The rocker is his most effective e footwork and he pairs it with a wipe, an arm-over, and a chop.
When he uses the foot-fire movements his feet get parallel and his pads are too high. With this stance and his chest exposed, he’s vulnerable to getting jammed and stilfed.
He delivers the wipe with violence at the top of stems, but his work at the line needs more moves and additional refinement with footwork and violent hands. Long and athletic cornerbacks who get physical frustrate McLaurin at the line.
McLaurin must develop better release moves and manipulation tactics with his stems. He sells his routes well on deeper patterns, and he has a violent turn on the over route. His drive step before breaking inside on hard breaks is effective.
He attacks the ball at the earliest point of arrival when targets are away from his frame. Otherwise, McLaurin allows passes to get into his body and frequently drops them when contact arrives.
His hand position is sometimes consistent with the location of the target but sometimes isn’t good enough. He often uses underhand techniques on throws where overhand techniques are best.
Even when McLaurin uses the correct technique, he doesn’t get his hands aligned and tight to the point of the ball as consistently as he should. This leads to targets bouncing off one hand or going through his hands. He may earn back-shoulder catches with underhand technique during a practice or on tape in college but it will not translate as consistently for the NFL game.
McLaurin has the speed to outrun pursuit when he catches the ball in space. He’ll duck through reaches in traffic and keep his feet moving to pull through contact to his legs. Collisions with defenders larger than cornerbacks don’t yield much. When he carries the ball, it’s typically under his left arm—almost exclusively.
Despite doing fine work as a coverage player on special teams, he’s a lackluster blocker. McLaurin squares his opponents and delivers his hands but with a jab that doesn’t have pop and prevents him from latching onto the chestplate. He also allows opponents to get the first contact.
He also doesn’t move his feet enough because he’s spending more time looking for the ball carrier to see if the ballcarrier is near or the play is over. When he’s not fixated on the wrong thing, McLaurin can square a linebacker, wall him off, and then peel towards the next assignment.
A skilled special team’s gunner, McLaurin splits blockers on punt coverage and is often the first man down field. He’s known as a high character player and graduated early.
While the audition week of the Senior Bowl might indicate improvement, his 2018 tape is a clearer picture. When there’s a difference beween one’s performance in a controlled environment versus his performance under live fire, I’m picking the game.
McLaurin may reach the point of development that his audition work matches his game work but until then, it’s potential versus reality.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: A waiver-wire option for larger leagues with practice squads who will be overvalued if scouts buy into the practice footage ahead of the game footage.
Cody Thompson, Toledo (6-2, 200)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.85 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Thompson, like Terry McLaurin, is a reserve with upside. The difference is that Thompson actually showed his upside on the field with greater consistency before a leg injury.
He’s a quick slot option with enough ball skills and toughness to make plays in the red zone and get open on occasional targets beyond 15-20 yards. Also, like McLaurin, he’s a special team’s player of
note. Unlike McLaurin, he’s more versatile and productive as a rusher, coverage player, and returner.
Thompson is used more in the slot than McLaurin so his work against press coverage isn’t extensive. He has a quick release off the line with three-step footwork.
He doesn’t sell his stems with his pads over his knees, but he is a skilled duck-walker who can put defensive backs on the heels early in the release, and during that process he keeps his pads low enough not to expose his chest to the jam.
He has excellent double moves with good manipulation during the stems by turning his head violently and with a strong range of motion. He’ll widen stems against off-coverage and do so late enough in the route after selling stem with a long, disciplined line.
Thompson executes speed breaks with tight turns on flat breaks. His hard breaks lack a single drive step heading into the act, but he drops his hips well into the maneuver.
He’s a skilled receiver when it comes to the range of things he can do on the field, but his consistency isn’t where it needs to be. Thompson catches the ball smoothly with the ball arriving over his shoulder and he can make sliding catches of low targets.
Difficult targets are also within his realm of expertise. Thompson can make extreme reaches for targets thrown well beyond the range of pinpoint.
He’ll track the ball and make one-handed stabs over his shoulder while airborne and contort his frame to toe-tap the boundary. When extending for the ball in stride, Thompson will win versus contact.
There are too many highs and lows with his receiving game. He drops too many of these targets with extreme extensions of his frame that are within the realm of being “catchable” for a professional wide receiver. His performances can also get streaky and in the NFL, a player can’t get into a funk every time he drops a football.
Thompson is an underrated runner after the catch. He bounces off indirect contact that’s high or low and he’ll continue through wraps to his lower legs. His spin move is good enough to avoid contact and he can also work past pursuit with sharp dips.
Thompson is quick enough that some safeties and linebackers have difficulty catching him in the open field. His vision and balance are strong enough to weave through traffic and work through trash.
His pad level is an asset because he avoids a lot of big hits by working over or under contact. He usually makes the first man miss. Thompson almost exclusively carries the ball under his left arm.
Thompson leads too much with his head and shoulders as a run blocker. He can be late to get an angle and it allows his opponents to get the first
strike and control more interactions. This is the outcome of Thompson being too patient against off- coverage.
Although capable of a punch, Thompson must develop greater control. It will help if he reaches his attack points earlier, sets up faster, and delivers with good form.
Thompson had blocked three punts during his career. He’s skilled at getting down field in coverage and downing the ball deep in opposing territory.
A broken leg in 2017 has some concerned about how he played in 2018. If health isn’t a lingering issue, Thompson is a versatile player who could develop into a consistent slot contributor and perhaps expand his game to occasional work as a flanker.
He’ll be valued for his special teams work as a rookie, which will afford him opportunities to further convince his new team that he can deliver value on offense.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: A waiver-wire option for larger leagues with practice squads. Otherwise, monitor from afar.
Anthony Johnson, Buffalo (6-2, 209)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.85 = Reserve. Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Every year, there are good college players whose games are admirable but come up just shy of starter potential for the next level. While Johnson’s Depth of Talent Score doesn’t indicate “just shy” of the mark, I’m referring to minor details that contribute to major differences. If Johnson were just a little better in several areas, he’d be an excellent prospect.
A few years ago, I felt that way about Dak Prescott. Perhaps there’s hope that I took an overly cautious side with too many details with Johnson and he’ll wildly exceed expectations.
His separation techniques are good, but his underlying athletic ability is average at best. Johnson has a good rocker step and three-step release. He’ll pair them with chops, rips, arm-overs, and swipes. He’ll also set up a hard swat with and inside-out approach to the defender off the line.
He maintains good pad level from the line and carries it through his stem on short timing routes. He doesn’t maintain that level as well when working the vertical game. His stems maintain a disciplined pace and he has enough acceleration to earn separation on routes that travel up to 35 yards from the line.
This is dependent on the athletic ability of his opponents. Usually, his sweet spot is 15-25 yards, maybe 30 with good work off the line.
Johnson performs a strong one-step drive into his hard breaks and drops his weight into sudden stops before breaking back to the ball. His speed breaks
often have a one-step turn and smooth, flat break, but there are reps where he needs additional steps to get it done.
When Johnson works against zone coverage, he finds open space downfield for his quarterback. When working the boundary, Johnson slides to the ground to stay inbounds after the catch or toe-tap when the target is over his head or outside the boundary. He must learn to drag his feet.
Johnson is a reliable pass catcher who tracks the ball over his shoulder against tight coverage and withstands contact. He has the “late hands” of a good ball tracker who doesn’t tip off his attack of the ball until the ball is over his head. Combined with late turns, Johnson is a skilled catcher of back- shoulder fades. He high-points the ball well and retracts it fast to his frame so defenders can’t get a hand on it.
He works through contact well while catching in mid- air and shields opponents from the ball. He makes overhand and underhand technique decisions based on the location of the target.
There are occasions where Johnson lets the ball into his frame—usually routes breaking back to the quarterback—when he should attack earlier. When he drops passes, this is often the root problem.
Johnson bleeds every bit of quickness from his frame with quick transitions after the catch. He’s sturdy enough to run through reaches and spin off contact, especially outside the hash.
Johnson accelerates upfield to split defensive backs. He cuts his stride effectively so he can drop his weight and make sudden direction changes past pursuit. He’s not sudden, but he has just enough acceleration to extend runs with the help of his blockers.
Johnson sets up blocks well and can press and bounce or cut back with patience. His ball security is too loose and he’s not consistent with tucking the ball away form pursuit.
When Johnson displays intensity as a run blocker, he can fire his arms into the chest of a defender with excellent explosion and move his feet to close the gap with the defender. He’ll drive opponents off the line when he does each of these things. He also can earn position and cut-off block outside linebackers. He won’t generate power against a linebacker, but he can anchor enough not to get pushed too far into the rushing lane.
There’s just not a lot of suddenness supporting his game and it impacts his releases, breaks, and ballcarrying. He’s slow for an NFL receiver. When he earns five-yard head starts on cornerbacks, he’s caught quickly—even with room to accelerate downhill after catching the ball in stride.
If he had Riley Ridley’s speed, acceleration, bend, and quickness, Johnson would probably be where
Ridley is on this board. Johnson is an excellent college player, but he’s an NFL backup.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: He’s at best a late- round pick if quickness translates better than I think. Otherwise, monitor from afar.
Xavier Ubosi, UAB (6-2, 215) Depth of Talent Score: 73.7 = Reserve:
Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Speaking of developmental players with upside, Ubosi might be one of those options. What I hate about recommending guys like Ubosi is that he’s a fairly raw player compared to the far more refined Johnson, but this is where the ability to ride the athletic ride of the NFL as a potential starter becomes a factor. Ubosi can; Johnson likely can’t.
Ubosi has an arm-over and a quick rocker step as an outside receiver. He gets his pads over his knees off the line and runs by cornerbacks. When needed, he can dip the shoulder away from contact without losing much of his acceleration. He combines his size, acceleration, and speed to run formidable go routes and burst corner routes with an urgent pace.
When he’s not going deep, Ubosi breaks back to the ball with flat breaks. While running his stems, he knows how to sell routes he’s not running to setup the breaks he’s about to execute.
His breaks need to be faster because he gathers his feet into the drop phase of the break rather than using one long drive step. He still has work to do with this technique and the fact that he slips during breaks is a strong indication that he hasn’t ingrained the timing and footwork because he’s losing focus on the task and thinking ahead.
Ubosi attacks the ball well and he high-points, digs out low targets, and effectively trackis some of the targets arriving over his shoulder. His tracking on over-the-shoulder targets is inconsistent and he’ll stop too soon when the ball is taking a longer trajectory of flight. He also has some timing issues with leaping for the ball at its highest point. He leaps too early rather than waiting for a higher point of the trajectory, which he has the vertical to handle.
He carries the ball like a loaf of bread once he’s in the open field. He’s way too confident in carrying the ball wide and low with one hand near his hip as he running away from opponents. He’s strong enough to break wraps to his lower legs and carry defenders for extra yards when wrapped up. As a blocker, he maintains his hand position while moving his feet, but he lacks a punch.
Ubosi is raw with the details, but he has good traits and baseline skills to build on.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Practice squad potential as a late-summer waiver-wire addition.
Keelan Doss, UC Davis (6-3, 209)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.65 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Doss belongs in an NFL camp. He played the left and right side of the field at UC Davis and he held his own at the Senior Bowl practices.
He works an inside-out release with one step and also has a three-step move with a chop or arm-over. He gets his pads over his knees off the line and finds the open zone.
When working against man, he displays good acceleration during his stems and into his releases. Doss drops his weight and comes back to the ball on the curl route and smoke screen. His breaks are flat on speed turns as well.
On vertical routes with angular breaks, Doss sells the post to set up the out and breaks back to the ball.
When running the corner route, Doss sells it with low pads through the stem, a head fake, and a stick to towards the post. He’ll do the opposite with the same movement when breaking on the post. Doss uses a good 45-degree turn with each route that goes a long way towards baiting the opponent playing off coverage or trailing him.
He has the speed to earn a step on the fade route and then work back to the ball. He also squares his body to targets when working zones.
Doss extends for the ball and uses fingertips techniques. He doesn’t falter with technique choices on chest-high routes, which is a common problem for young receviers.
He extends and high-points easily while at full speed on breaks across the field. He can secure the ball fluidly and take a wrap from a trailing defender without losing possession.
Doss is an effective receiver on back-shoulder routes. He wins over the defender and when the ball is underthrown, he’ll perform a good leap-back to attack the ball, pulling it away from his coverage. He has a strong catch radius and uses it well.
He toe-taps his feet inbounds and his balance at the catch-point is strong. He takes contact to his upper body while airborne and still manages to land on his feet inbounds.
That sturdiness is in effect as a runner. Doss leans through wraps at his legs and spins off glancing blows from linebackers. Yet, direct collisions aren’t as favorable against linebacker or defensive backs. He earns a minimal push. He tucks the ball under the arm that’s away from the pursuit, but carries the ball low and loose from his frame.
Doss lacks good first-step acceleration as a ballcarrier, but appears to have better intermediate and deep acceleration on longer route stems.
He transitions quickly from receiver to blocker on short routes and squares his opponents well. He can move his feet reasonably well. Doss displays good effort to chase after linebackers that shoot past him so he can at least find an angle to move him away from the ball carrier—many receivers simply give up.
Although he can be late to the punch and catch contact from opponents coming down-hill, he’s strong enough to funnel them way from the ball. Even when he squares his opponent’s early enough to attack, Doss gets tentative because he’s too focused on the runner’s approach.
A little more skill at the line and with his routes and Doss could contribute if called upon. If he makes significant gains in a year or two, he might become a more well-known name as a third or fourth receiver.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Monitor from afar until after the draft or consider him a late-round stash if you’re league has massive rosters (50+)
Darius Slayton, Auburn (6-1, 190)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.4 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
There’s talk that Slayton’s stock is up after a good showing at the NFL Combine. He’s athletic, that’s for sure. He worked the slot and either side of the formation at Auburn.
Slayton has an arm-over with his releases to threaten defensive backs playing tight coverage at the line. He’ll reduce the shoulder with three-step releases and he can use a swat and an arm-over in succession. He uses good pacing variation with his three-step movement and he can deliver it with suddenness. His swats are also violent.
Slayton should work on a rip. There are situations he’d be better of using it than attempting a swipe that will be off-balance.
His 4.39-second speed shows up when he earns a free release. He’ll beat tight coverage by at least a step on the deep post or the go route.
He must manipulate his stems more than a little head fake or slight bend inside or outside off- coverage. His best stems worked inside enough that he could cut across the face of the opponent and turn the man around as Slayton makes his break.
Slayton will come back to the ball from breaks and he drops his weight effectively into hard breaks. His speed breaks are flat and have tight turns.
Slayton extends high and low for targets and has no problem making catches with contact to his back.
He’ll collapse near the boundary on low throws to ensure he stays in bounds.
He’ll extend for the ball in a variety of situations, including targets arriving over this shoulder.
Slayton’s 40.5-inch vertical leap serves him well when he must elevate for the ball—especially with a defender in his face.
He drags his feet well at the boundary and does so against tight coverage by shielding the defender with a good turn through the catch. Slayton can be late to get his arms up in these situations and he’ll miss the arrival of the target. This late tracking also forces him to attempt catches by clapping his hands onto the ball, which leads to violent rebounds off his hands or to juggle situations he must fight.
He drops too many targets when he’s wide open because he isn’t attacking the ball with confidence. As a result, he’s allowing the ball into his frame and fighting the ball. He must bring his fingertips together on high targets.
Slayton is better at handling contact to his back than when it’s arriving within his sightline. He loses concentration when contact is within his view of it.
Despite these glaring issues, Slayton also makes difficult one-handed grabs and targets with extreme extensions of his body. When he drops these targets, he’s often taking too much time to secure the ball and giving his opponent a chance to knock the ball loose.
Slayton is dangerous in the open field because of his speed and movement to work around pursuit and accelerate past it. He uses the correct arm to avoid pursuit as a ball carrier, but his ball carriage is both too low and loose.
Slayton delivers his hands with a hard jab as a run blocker. He squares his opponents and earns good position to funnel defensive backs away from the ball. Slayton is also quick to the spot as a blocker when he makes the correct diagnosis.
He can uppercut, but he doesn’t close the gap between himself and his opponent, which negates the potential for power or a latch into the defender’s frame.
Slayton must keep his head up when striking. He catches too much contact and he misses run blitzes he should pick up.
He missed 2 games out of 26 with an ankle injury.
Slayton will appeal to those who see the metrics and the positive plays. Teases always do (we’ve all been there).
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: If you’re willing to see if Slayton can tease his way into a starting lineup, he’ll probably be available at the 4-5 turn of rookie drafts unless an NFL organization is fixated
with his potential and drafts him earlier. At that point, he could move up to the 3-4 turn. If teams think he’s as much of a tease as I, you’ll be adding him off waivers for your practice squad or monitoring from afar.
Jamal Custis, Syracuse (6-4, 214)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.35 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution (On the cusp of Contributor Tier).
Custis will be regarded as a developmental project with starter upside if he works hard and learns fast— and for good reason. He’s big, fast, physical, and has moments where he looks like a legit early-round prospect at the catch point.
Custis played on the right and left sides of Syracuse’s offense as well as occasional turns in the slot. He’s strong enough to grab a defender at the line and yank him aside as he slides outside to open space.
He could use that kind of violence when he employs the double swipe, rip, or chop. His shake move could be more sudden and he needs more footwork moves than a three-step release.
Custis has some promise with routes. He can execute a one-step drive into a hard break with an effective weight drop on hitches. He sets up the hitch with a hard stick towards the fade, which leads to the drive, drop, and return to the quarterback. He takes too many steps into the breaks of his curl routes and it makes his timing inefficient. In contrast to the hitch, his weight drop isn’t effective.
Custis is better on intermediate and vertical routes, including dropping his weight into the comeback route. He plays big up the stem, displaying comfort with physical play until it’s time to earn late separation, which he does to catch the ball with his hands. He displays promise with boundary execution on comeback routes, dragging his feet.
Custis has inconsistent hands with tantalizing highs and rudimentary lows. He can make sliding catches with throws requiring him to extend low and even a little behind the break point. Everything about the play is good until he has to retract the ball to his frame and he loses possession.
His has some tracking issues when dealing with tight coverage to his back hip and trying to negotiate space as he’s looking the ball in as it arrives over his downfield shoulder. He can be late to meet the ball with his hands and high-point opportunities turn into targets into his body.
If Custis can make sure his hands are at chest level and not preoccupied with maintaining position with a box-out or post-up, he won’t be late to the ball. Even when he uses the correct hands techniques he’ll fight the ball.
Custis has some suddenness in the open field. He can square the nearest defender over top and work
inside-out or outside-in with his transition upfield. His stiff-arm is strong enough to eliminate defensive backs with pursuit angles. If he’s near the pylon or first-down marker, he’ll extend for the strong finish. When he needs to protect the ball tight, his ball security is too loose, especially when changing direction in the open field.
Custis plays to his size as a blocker. He latches onto opponents with his hands in the screen game or outside run game and moves his feet to turn an opponent way from the ball.
Custis has a punch but it’s a double jab and it creates more difficulties when trying to latch on as a stalk blocker. This technique doesn’t get him close enough and he winds up overextending.
Custis has special teams experience, which should get him in the door. However, the tracking issues could take some work for him to overcome if he’s only fighting for a spot on the receiver depth chart.
Depth of Talent Score: 73.25 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Meyers is a lot like Anthony Johnson. He’s a good college player with NFL-caliber skills but has a limited repertoire of polished techniques coupled with athletic ability that might not be good enough to attain starter production.
A former quarterback, Meyers has done an admirable job of becoming a good college receiver. He’s physical and makes tough, meaningful plays. Meyers was used mostly in the slot and featured with a steady diet of fades, corner routes with a built-in back-shoulder contingency, slants, hitches, and routes with breaks with in-cuts and out-cuts.
He could be a compelling option in the slot if he can gain a little more weight. This will help him play to the physicality he showed at NC State and sustain that level of play at a more demanding level of football.
Meyers uses two-, three-, and four-step release patterns with shakes, head fakes, arm-overs, and shoulder fakes to get into his stems or transition from his stems to his releases. He varies the pacing of his footwork effectively but he must become more strategic with his hand usage.
Meyers uses the stick as an effective maneuver to set up double moves or force defenders to turn during his stems. He’ll use head fakes or stutter steps to set up breaks at the top of his stems.
Meyers also has quick and strong hands to bang and push against opponents as a way of framing the separation during his stems to set up his breaks.
His speed turns result in flat breaks with sharp turns off one step. He’ll break back to the quarterback as needed and he gets his head turned in time as he exits his breaks.
When Meyers faces zone coverage, he finds the opening and settles well to create a big target for his quarterback. When Meyers runs the hitch, he’ll enter the break with a single long drive step but his weight drop isn’t deep enough.
Meyers has some targets where he tries to clap onto the ball rather than use the correct fingertips technique, and it leads to drops. This is a notable issue but indicative of the majority of his work.
Meyers extends to the ball, uses the proper hands techniques with fingertips-first catches on high and low targets. He high-points, catches on the move, and tracks the ball over his shoulder.
He’s a tough receiver who wins the ball against tight coverage. He adjusts well to targets with fluid turns and high-points, and he’ll take hits to his back or even to his chest.
He wins the ball against contact and tight coverage on slants, wheel routes, back-shoulder fades, and corner routes. He also taps both feet inbounds. A defender’s hands in his face while tracking the ball isn’t an automatic distraction, either.
Another reason the slot is good for him is his work after the catch. He has the acceleration to work past linebackers and safeties in the open field when he transitions fast. He can jump cut or sidestep past opponents to get downhill. He has enough stop-start quickness to avoid the first tackler and a sharp enough spin move to pull through wraps or transition downhill.
He also layers these various moves in sequences that help him weave through traffic. When clipped by glancing contact, he can regain his footing with a good balance-touch. Meyers also has the balance to bounce off defensive backs heading directly for him.
His stiff-arm and forearm shiver will earn him additional yardage. He carries defenders for extra yards and protects the ball with both arms in traffic. Has a stiff-arm and forearm move to drag defenders extra yards when wrapped at his back.
Meyers has sound ball security. He uses the arm that’s working away from the pursuit. He tucks the ball tight to his chest but it could a little tighter at the elbow when in the open field or making dynamic moves in traffic.
Meyers is patient to the point of attack as a stalk blocker, but he also knows when to reach a destination quickly so he can square and deliver a strike. He still could close the gap between himself and his opponent a little better so he doesn’t overextend with his punch and lose the interaction after initial contact.
With a more technically-sound punch, Meyers will establish earlier control and sustain his efforts.
He had knee surgery as a freshman that forced a redshirt.
I was really close to awarding Meyers a few more points for his route running but his inconsistency with defeating press and flaws with hard breaks held him back. If he corrects these to addressable issues, he could quickly become a contributor. If there are no lingering issues with his freshman knee surgery, he’s essentially at this tier already.
Even so, there’s nothing athletically or technically special about Meyers that gives him a compelling advantage as a 6’2”, 203-pound slot receiver.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Meyers is probably an over-achiever who will fight his way into a role. Is it worth a pick for your dynasty team? Not in the age of spread offenses that covet players with superior speed or quickness or schemes that prefer bigger bodies and tight ends. Monitor from afar.
Jazz Ferguson, Northwestern St. (6-5, 227)
Depth of Talent Score: 72.55 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Ferguson plays on the left and right sides of the formation. He has excellent speed and a long stride. He can use his stride to bait defenders with his stems. He can use a long stick move to turn a defender in the wrong direction during his stem. He will pull his chest away from the jam and swat the defender’s arm at the line of scrimmage. He has a rocker step, but he needs to refine it with pace variation to make it more effective. He must refine his work against press coverage.
He gets his head around fast enough on speed breaks. His turns are initially sharp but drift a bit out of the break. Ferguson sells the slant-and-go with pace variation and a good turn of the head inside. He runs slants, hitches, over routes, screens, fades, and go routes—but not many hard-breaking routes.
He catches the ball with active hands at belt level. He can also take a hit to his waist at the catch point and maintain possession. Ferguson will protect the ball with both arms in traffic. He uses active and high hands technique on back-shoulder fades.
His tracking of the football is NFL-caliber. Throws that require him to spin and high point with one hand while turning downfield and letting the ball arrive over the shoulder look easy as they arrive in Ferguson’s hand.
Over the middle, Ferguson will extend high and away from his frame on an over route with trail coverage tight to him.
After the catch, Ferguson has a quick side-step of the pursuit coming from over top and can pull through reaches and wraps. He’ll also push a pile with low pads and lead with a shoulder into contact. He also has a quick crossover with a parallel cut across the face of a safety coming over the top in pursuit. He has the balance to pull through a wrap from behind by a linebacker. His jump cut is dynamic enough to work across the outside shoulder to the inside shoulder. He can also sidestep and spin in succession to earn positive yards.
He switches the ball to the arm that’s away from the nearest pursuit. He can let the ball get loose while avoiding defenders in the open field but quick to tighten up as he feels traffic.
Ferguson will work into the chest of the off-coverage defender and deliver a hard double-jab that can move a cornerback 1-3 yards. He’ll also continue sliding inside or outside with the defender so he can remain square and deliver a second punch or wall off the opponent.
He can react to a defender’s first move and miss his angle on a stalk block. He attempted a quick cut with drop of pads across the waist but he didn’t shoot through the defender and didn’t have the angle to do so.
Ferguson can square, slide with the defender, and use an uppercut motion to get his hands on a defender in the run game. However, he must learn to punch with that uppercut so he’s doing more than walling off an opponent.
Ferguson originally signed with LSU but after nine games played in two years with one start, he failed a drug test and had difficulty fulfilling his academic requirements.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Ferguson will be a favorite late-round selection in fantasy drafts because of his prototypical frame and long speed.
He’s worth a stab at hitting on upside because he possesses the physical skills to make it happen.
Olabisi Johnson, Colorado State (6-0, 204)
Depth of Talent Score: 72.35 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Johnson is a light-footed receiver who can stick, squirt, and rocker-step free with his releases. He uses a swipe and arm-over off the line and plays the left and right sides of the formation. He is a quick accelerator in workouts and sometimes that shows up with his work on the field. When it does, he can reach full speed within 2-3 steps and win downfield.
Johnson most frequently earns separation with a chop and an outside move. He knows how to bait defenders into interfering when he earns separation.
Johnson sets up defenders with a widening of his stems. He’ll use head fakes and other movements within the stem to turn defenders down field before he puts on the breaks. This includes taking the back of the defender to work into his blind spot.
He drops his weight into curl routes and breaks back to the quarterback. His speed breaks need tighter turns and he doesn’t drop his weight enough to maximize the separation he should get against coverage. He loses targets because of it. His burst in and out of breaks and separation on deeper routes is disappointing when comparing them to his metrics.
Johnson needs to attack the ball rather than rely so much on passive technques to catch targets arriving at belt and chest height. He is competent at catching the ball on underneath targets and taking hits. He also adjusts well to back-shoulder targets against tight coverage.
He has a quick enough step to beat linebackers downhill when he transitions as a runner. Johnson will split defenders with his pads and he’s agile enough to make the first man miss with a move.
Once wrapped, Johnson keeps his feet moving. However, his pad level is not technically-sound. He drops his pads with waist bend rather than bending his knees and creating a forward lean. This costs him leverage and pushing power. Johnson also appears to brace for contact rather than initiate contact, which results in stalemates with defenders that he could have won if he were the aggressor.
Johnson’s carriage is loose and uses his right arm almost exclusively as a ball carrier. He is a willing blocker. Johnson works downfield and earns position for a push. If he needs to deliver a shot, he’ll charge into the opponent and push hard, but he doesn’t have a proper punch and it prevents him from truly latching on with power and leverage that he can sustain.
Johnson is also preoccupied with the ball carrier on runs heading to his side. If he focused more on his opponent, he can give his runner a lane to work through and there will be little danger of getting rolled up.
On the spreadsheet, Johnson looks like a compelling prospect with the floor of a contributor and the upside of a starter. On tape, he looks like a reserve with work to do on his own time.
Depth of Talent Score: 72.3 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
A former prep quarterback who earned a scholarship from Lane Kiffin at 14 years of age, Sills tried his hand at quarterback but ultimately realized that his best shot at having a football career was at wide receiver. At West Virginia he worked in the slot as well as the left and right sides of the formation.
He’s a finesse player who tracks the ball well and had excellent red zone rapport with Will Grier on fade routes. He was a good deep threat in the Mountaineers offense but he’s not a traditional speedster. Instead, he relies on acceleration and quickness.
Sills plays with intensity at the line of scrimmage but he doesn’t get his pads over his knees, his feet often set in a parallel position during his foot-fires, and it puts him in a position where he can get jammed up before he can even make a move to clear the defender in front of him. This didn’t happen much during his career but all the factors are there for NFL defenders to feast upon.
He tends to accelerate on a curve rather use angular moves to avoid contact. It might be why his rocker step is a little better than his foot-fires. When Sills tries to use an arm-over, athletic opponents can drive the receiver to the sideline and pin him there.
Much of Sills’ vertical success comes on rub routes, off-coverage, and double-moves. When he can earn separation with these methods, he’s wise about stacking the opponent as fast as possible so he can control the pace of the route.
Sills is at his best in the vertical game when he’s earning the ball 15-35 yards from the line of scrimmage. This is where his acceleration remains strong and his lack of long speed doesn’t become a liability.
His variation of pacing is good. He’ll use stutters or delays off the line as if he’s setting up a block to throw opponents off the rhythm of the route.
Sills has a good stick to set up routes that break to the boundary or the middle of the field. He also uses the stick to set up crossvers of the defender.
Sills’ whip routes lack great bend, but he pivots with a good flip of the hips and that does the job. He gets his head around at the right point of the break and when Sills breaks to the quarterback, he presents a square frame for an easy target. When facing zone coverage, Sills works to the open spot.
Sills relies too much on underhand position to catch targets that won’t be as easy to convert against NFL coverage without attacking the ball with overhand technique. Despite the prevalence of this issue with his game, Sills tracks the ball well, earns good
position on defenders with his back and times his elevation to the ball.
He’s skilled at tapping both feet inbounds. When he must extend fully for the ball, he’ll do it. He’s not distracted by defenders wrapping him at the waist from behind as he catches the ball.
Sills makes quick stops as a ball carrier and he can get pursuit to overrun him and then cut back behind them. He has a good juke paired with a jump cut and swat of his free arm to free up space.
Sills tries to do too muich as a runner at times. It leads him to work backwards or loop around opponents rather than turn immediately downhill and drop the pads to work through contact as much as possible. Sills loses yards too often and he’s not that effective against wraps to his lower legs in the first place. Sills carres the ball high and tight and uses the appropriate arm.
When he can reach a defender and is quick enough, he can square, extend his arms, lock on and drive or turn the defender way from the ball. Sills is aggressive with his blocks near the line of scrimmage. He will deliver a hard jab and stalk blocks with intensity.
Sills is often too late to the party and misses opportunities to make plays in the run game. He’s often a step slow and out of sync with the angles of defenders. Because he’s a jabber, he’s prone to overextending, which allows opponents to shed him easily.
There as a time last year where I believe the draft community saw Sills as a top prospect. After studying West Virginia’s offense, I think Will Grier was the most compelling factor that made his surrounding talent a lot better than their individual parts.
Depth of Talent Score: 72.15 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution
Durante has a bit of T.Y. Hilton in his game but not enough athletic ability to deliver more than a slightly compelling imitation of it. He’s a good college player and there’s no shame in that at all.
He generally plays on the right side of the formation. He’s quick enough with his footwork that three-step moves, sticks, and rocker steps can do the job of baiting defenders into bad movement. His arm over is effective as part of a three-step release. Once he clears the line, Durante will use a wipe to enforce his position while his coverage tries to jostle him.
Durante uses a significant head fake at top of his stems and he has a sudden one-step break on
hitches. He’ll get his head around fast on routes breaking inside.
Durante executes quick turns on hitches after setting up the route by getting his pads over his knees. He’ll use some pace variation with his stems on routes.
Durante has enough acceleration and quickness that he can earn separation on deep routes even if his sustained long speed is average at best. This may explain why he repeatedly gets separation deep but also appears to be overthrown when he’s not able to sustain his initial pace of acceleration.
He’s runs a good comeback route with sudden turns and an aggressive break back to the passer. His breaks aren’t flat enough on speed outs but the turns are sudden. He also has to run his routes with better depth. His stem lengths and route depths need work and often the ball arrives behind him in ways that indicate the route is the issue.
When Durante squares up the quarterback, he’s too passive with his catch techniques and allows the ball into his body. This leads to drops, especially with contact arriving to Durante’s back. He had a pivotal drop late in a game because of this issue and cost his team another play to stay in the contest during the waning seconds.
When he extends his arms with active positions, he’s a reliable pass catcher who can win high and low targets with some extremes in catch radius. Durante will work agaisnt the momentum of his breaks, extend for the ball and take contact without dropping the target. He drags his feet well on boundary targets.
Durante transitions upfield fast. He’ll lean through contact for extra yards. When he has room, he’ll dip away from shots or curl his way to the long corner with enough acceleration to get up the sideline.
Durante has the footwork and control of his ankles and knees to transition downhill at full speed with only a step. This makes him effective on jet sweeps, crossing routes, and end arounds.
Durante’s mobile hips allow for dramatic turns at full speed that many players cannot make, which may make him a little more dynamic as a runner than his speed indicate.
He’s self aware and avoids big hits by getting to the ground in well-trafficked areas of the field.
Sometimes he’s too cautious and drops to the turf when the opponent he could have faced was a cornerback.
He has a good jump cut past the outside contain, but he’ll also string out plays to the perimeter too far and to his own detriment. When nothing is available, he needs to drop the pads under defenders or fall to the ground. Right now, Durante either takes unnecessary punishment or loses yards.
He carries the ball under the correct arm to avoid pursuit and switches the ball as necessary. His
carriage is generally high to his chest but when trying to avoid defenders, it becomes too loose and low from this frame.
Durante has some fight as a blocker when matched up with cornerbacks. He can run them off with routes and then turn and shield. For a small player, he’ll latch on tight and shoot his arms for a punch.
Learning to uppercut will help him.
He’ll bait defenders downfield long enough that it opens lanes. He’s also willing to peel off a block and shield back side pursuit—even defensive linemen. However, he’s sane enough not to get too close.
When an outside linebacker isn't looking, Durante will slant inside and generate a push—even force the man to the ground thanks to good leverage. He’s also willing to throw his body around to attack a safety.
If he makes a team, he’ll likely get mauled by defensive backs in the run game. He’s already easily shed by college defensive backs. Still, the effort is good.
Durante is a good college player in a strong receiver class and he probably left school a year too early.
Ideally, he could use more time to develop his game and have a better shot at earning a contract as a draft pick rather than a tryout as a UDFA.
Anthony Ratliff-Williams, North Carolina (6- 1, 205)
Depth of Talent Score: 71.95 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Ratliff-Wllliams is a playmaker as a vertical receiver, screen option, and return specialist. He can win some tough 50/50 targets but he’s not a refined player. It would have been nice to see him stay in school one more year.
He has a three-step release with a wipe, but the hand movement must be more violent. This is a common theme with his release movements, including his arm-over. He’s fast enough to earn separation on deep routes, but it often happens in spite of his release moves, not because of them.
Ratliff-Williams needs more release moves, more stem manipulation, better sideline awareness, and conscientious effort to work back to the quarterback. He will widen defenders with his stems on underneath routes and snap his turns. However, he doesn’t run a lot of inside-breaking routes.
When he did, he showed a sharp turn back to the ball on the dig and skill to catch the ball in stride. He also breaks back on the curl route and the
comeback. He catches the ball at the first window with his hands extended when finishing these routes. He leaves his feet unnecessarily at the catch point, and he doesn’t use the correct hand positions to catch the ball based on the target location. He drops passes because the lapse in technique allows the ball into his frame.
He’s at his best on intermediate and deep routes where he can shield the opponent and catch the ball over his shoulder or square and high-point. He’s skilled at leaping over the back of his opponents and pulling the ball away. Ratliff-Wiliams makes good late adjustments to the ball. If his technique was consistent enough as a pass catcher, he’d have a shot to be a contributor as opposed to a return specialist on the roster bubble.
Ratliff-Williams transitions downhill fast. He has a well-placed stiff-arm and delivers it multiple tiems with good results. He drops his weight for quick changes of direction in the open field. His stop-start moves and reversals of field are effective in the college game but are not likely to be effective as frequently in the pros. His spin move to bounce off hits is an asset.
Ratliff-Williams switches the ball from one arm to the other based the location of the pursuit. His arm can be tighter at the elbow.
He’s a physical player without the ball. He’ll square and seal his opponents as a stalk blocker. He’s willing to throw defensive backs to the ground when he earns leverage. His punches need better timing and he overextends into them, although rare if he punches as a blocker. He overruns assignments too often.
Ratliff-Williams’ best asset as a player for the professional level is his return game. There’s good skill to win the ball in the air, but his overall game is raw.
Depth of Talent Score: 71.95 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
If not jammed or rerouted, Dixon can run by many cornerbacks. He’ll use various foot-fire lengths and an arm-over as a release technique. He can stack a defender early and run by him.
Dixon must learn to run the hitch so he can earn more depth while driving the defender backwards. He knows where to settle in a zone when working as part of a trips set. He’ll slide to the open area of a busy zone with small movements to remain square for his quarterback. His over route must have a sharper break. Right now, he’s drifting and allowing the trail coverage back into the play.
He can track and catch the ball over his shoulder and in stride. Dixon also catches the ball with his hands at chest level away from his frame. He has difficulty securing the ball and maintaining possession as he’s pulling away from tight coverage, including an over route. He can get re-routed and lose track of the ball on deeper routes. He uses good active hands technique at chest-high targets. He can extend away from his frame on the run to make a waist-level catch with active hand position away from frame. He can lay-out for the ball up the seam with full extension and use low hands over his shoulder to make the catch.
He makes quick transitions upfield and runs with his pads low to split defenders. However, he’s not aggressive with his finishes. He’ll lean through a cornerback’s hit and wrap. He can make the first man miss with a jump cut, sidestep, or jump stop. He can also spin through reaches. He’ll finish with a forearm shiver in the open field against a defensive back.
Dixon carries the ball with the correct arm and high to his frame.
Dixon is mostly a shield blocker who will earn position and move well laterally to wall-off a cornerback while using one arm or both to extend into the defender’s frame.
Dixon missed much of two years with chronic knee injuries—tendonitis and arthritis were the issues. He couldn’t practice consistently and he had to redshirt for a year due to it.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Despite the appeal of speed, monitor from afar.
Quick Hits on Receivers with Borderline Developmental Grades
DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss (6-2, 204)
Depth of Talent Score: 71.55 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Variety of release moves and uses them well, but his lack of speed and acceleration are compelling questions about his technically-sound work translating.
Works back to the ball and his quarterback and settles well into zones.
Set ups of breaks aren’t tight enough and he tips off defenders.
Route depth and flatness of breaks are inconsistent.
Makes difficult catches at the boundary, but technical flaws with hands position will lead to more drops than he already has in these situations.
Sideline technique with his footwork needs refinement.
Good effort as a runner but ball security has significant lapses.
Drops his head into contact as a blocker and is rarely in control of interactions as a result.
Tier VI: Players 48-52 (and really, 48-77, although not profiled below) are hoping for a futures contract and time to improve fundamentals. Many of them will be playing in another league if they continue a professional career.
Trevon Brown, East Carolina (6-2, 215)
Depth of Talent Score: 69.85 = Developmental: Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad (On cusp of Reserver Tier).
Doesn’t separate well on his individual efforts alone.
Wins deep against zones and manipulates safeties with his stems.
High-point specialist with good timing as a rebounder.
Tracks the ball well and possesses the hand-eye coordination for difficult catches.
Must turn upper body square to the ball whenever possible.
Strong enough to work through wraps.
Good feel for creases in zones and splits them decisively when running at full speed but lacks quick-twitch movement.
Sustains downfield blocks through the whistle.
Good uppercut puncher as a blocker.
Patient stalk blocker and savvy with angles and skilled at peeling off to more important assignments as a play unfolds.
Neck injury in 2016 and ineligible the same year due to academics.
WR Rankings Tables: Combined Board, Big Board, and Slot Board
Combined Board (Top 52)
Times and measurements are from the NFL Combine or Pro Day workouts. “Potential” is my assessment of the player’s development curve based on his potential to improve his strength and athleticism with additional training or learn the techniques and concepts of his position.
Players labeled “Upside” have additional opportunities to become better athletes and/or technicians at their position. Players earning the “Boom-Bust” label generally have a high level of athleticism but lack the knowledge of a skill or concept that could be difficult to learn.
In some cases, these “Boom-Bust” players have excellent skills and knowledge of concepts, but the base athleticism to perform the job might be questionable and the chance of them improving those physical skills are not likely. A player with a “Maxed” label has likely reached his athletic (or conceptual) potential, and this will limit his ability to grow beyond his current assessment.
Based on my conversations with scouts, wide receiver rankings tend to have the greatest variance for organization to organization. Team fit, physical preferences, and special teams skill are three primary factors for this variation. The RSP Post-Draft will feature rankings that take the draft into account.
Remember that injuries, off-field, issues, and other unexpected developments will make what seemed improbable today become likely tomorrow. Having sets of rankings that account for the politics/business of the NFL Draft (RSP Post-Draft rankings) and account solely for talent (this publication) will come in handy years from now.
Butler is the closest thing to Calvin Johnson in this draft. And he's being trained by Megatron.
Primary threat at all three positions.
I
2
Miles Boykin
6'4"
220
Notre Dame
91.85
85
4.42
4.07
6.77
43.5
12
The real Combine Wonder, Boykin is one of the complete players in this class.
Primary threat at flanker or split end.
I
3
A.J. Brown
6'0"
226
Ole Miss
91.7
84
4.49
N/A
N/A
36.5
19
Brown is known as a slot player but he can win outside with speed and physicality. Safest WR on the board.
Primary threat in the slot or flanker.
II
4
D.K. Metcalf
6'3"
228
Ole Miss
87
64.5
4.33
4.50
7.38
40.5
27
Violent hands and blazing speed in muscle-bound frame, Metcalf wins on straight-line routes and
jump balls. And that's good enough.
Monster deep threat and red zone option.
II
5
Deebo Samuel
5'11"
214
South Carolina
86.8
85
4.48
4.14
7.03
N/A
N/A
Samuel can kill you with a deathblow or a thousand paper cuts.
Name it, he'll do it well.
II
6
N'Keal Harry
6'2"
228
Arizona St.
86.1
77.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
38.5
27
A big slot weapon that will earn significant targets outside and in the red zone. Not a burner, but rugged and an aerial artist.
Big slot with perimeter fade routes and potetial focal point.
II
7
Preston Williams
6'4"
211
Colorado State
86.05
86
4.55
4.36
7.06
31.5
N/A
If A.J. Green came in various models, Williams would be the "Starter Version" to the original "All-Pro" model.
Flanker or split end and potential focal point.
II
8
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
6'0"
202
Nebraska
85.15
86
4.53
4.13
6.78
N/A
N/A
A physical, quick, and sure- handed receiver with an AFC North mentality about football.
Flanker or slot with
possession-plus skills.
II
9
Parris Campbell
6'0"
205
Ohio State
85.05
80.5
4.31
4.03
N/A
40.0
11
He may lack refinement, but his sound fundamentals will facilitate fast development. He impress now, star later.
Big-play slot and eventual focal point.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
III
10
Kelvin Harmon
6'2"
221
NC State
84.75
86
4.60
4.32
7.15
32.5
18
A physical possession receiver who can win with selected vertical routes.
Possession-plus split end.
III
11
Marquise Brown
5'9"
166
Oklahoma
84.3
73.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Is he an outside deep threat, a big-play slot, or both?
Slot underneath and perimeter deep.
III
12
Jalen Hurd
6'5"
226
Baylor
83.7
89.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
A former 5-star RB who has impressively reconstructed his game and is poised for a strong NFL career at 1-2 WR position and occasional
work at RB.
Big slot now; primary perimeter option later.
III
13
Riley Ridley
6'2"
200
UGA
83.45
79
4.58
4.28
N/A
N/A
N/A
A sound possession threat with hints that he can do a little more downfield.
Possession guy.
III
14
Emmanuel Butler
6'3"
217
N. Arizona
82.85
83.5
N/A
4.22
N/A
36.0
11
A big, strong receiver with excellent ball tracking and a physical but agile game.
Eventual WR with shot to become a WR1.
III
15
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
6'2"
225
Stanford
82.3
92.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Improved hands and routes from a known box-out specialist with more to show.
Eventual WR2.
III
16
Hunter Renfrow
5'10"
184
Clemson
81.45
87.5
4.59
4.19
6.80
35.0
7
Refined slot receiver with high-volume potential.
Slot
III
17
Reggie White, Jr.
6'2"
208
Monmouth
80.75
80
4.45
4.07
6.77
37.5
N/A
Scouts say he's the best prospect to ever play at Monmouth, including Miles Austin.
Eventual WR2 with
possession-plus skill.
III
18
Travis Fulgham
6'2"
215
Old Dominion
80.3
79
4.58
N/A
N/A
36.5
15
Rugged rebounder with suddenness for his size and a relentless blocker.
Potential WR2
IV
19
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
6'4
210
Texas
79.5
85.5
4.75
4.29
N/A
33.5
13
A former RB with a big slot profile and some of the best mitts in this star- studded class.
Big Slot
IV
20
Olamide Zaccheaus
5'8"
190
Virginia
78.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An underrated big-play slot receiver with some route skills on the perimeter and scatback work from the backfield.
Special Teams/Slot
IV
21
Penny Hart
5'8"
180
Georgia State
78.3
84.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ditto but with better routes and minor hands issues.
Special Teams/Slot
IV
22
Tyre Brady
6'2"
211
Marshall
77.75
85.5
4.74
N/A
N/A
32.0
12
Compensates for slow long speed with acceleration, C.O.D., and a never-say- die attitude at the catch point.
Potential WR2
IV
23
Emanuel Hall
6'2"
201
Missouri
77.05
68.5
4.39
N/A
N/A
43.5
15
Graceful deep threat who could grow into more if he works hard and overcomes drops.
Potential WR2 or deep threat specialist.
IV
24
Antoine Wesley
6'4"
206
Texas Tech
76.75
83
N/A
4.26
7.07
N/A
N/A
Quick enough and flashes ball impressive ball skills and release work.
Consistency needed.
Potential WR2, slot, or red zone specialist.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
IV
25
Greg Dortch
5'7"
173
Wake Forest
76.65
75.5
4.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Tough big-play slot weapon that is still learning the position.
Special Teams/Slot
IV
26
Andy Isabella
5'9"
188
Umass
76.5
77.5
N/A
4.15
6.95
36.5
15
Speedy slot receiver with slick moves, but must reserve dancing for the club.
Special Teams/Slot
IV
27
Dillon Mitchell
6'1"
197
Oregon
76.35
84
4.46
4.29
N/A
N/A
N/A
If he fixes the addressable issues with his hands, he's a future starter. If not, he's a tease with dynamic playmaking potential.
Special teams/Flanker with boom-bust starter upside
IV
28
Juwann Winfree
6'1"
210
Colorado
76.35
78
4.50
4.26
6.97
33.0
16
A worker bee route runner with reliable hands who continues getting better every year. Better athlete than many realize.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
29
Shawn Poindexter
6'4"
212
Arizona
74.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Long, tall reserve with growth potential.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
30
Felton Davis III
6'3"
211
Michigan St.
74.55
74.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Big slot option who steals the ball like a lunchroom bully.
WR3-WR4 with slot potential.
V
31
Mecole Hardman
5'11"
183
UGA
74.35
75
4.33
N/A
N/A
36.5
17
Big-play slot weapon who didn't run a lot of slot routes. Excellent return specialist.
Special Teams/Slot
V
32
Terry McLaurin
6'1"
205
Ohio State
73.95
79.5
4.35
4.15
7.01
N/A
N/A
Fast-rising reserve who impressed at the Senior Bowl but has flaws as a pass catcher.
Special teams/Flanker with boom-bust starter upside
V
33
Cody Thompson
6'2"
200
Toledo
73.85
84.5
4.57
4.03
6.87
N/A
N/A
Quick slot receiver with highs and lows as a pass catcher and a strong special teams resume.
Special Teams/Slot
V
34
Anthony Johnson
6'2"
209
Buffalo
73.85
80.5
N/A
N/A
7.12
N/A
N/A
A tough and savvy possession receiver who comes up a little short as a potential NFL starter.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
35
Xavier Ubosi
6'2"
215
UAB
73.7
65
4.5
N/A
N/A
33.5
14
Raw, athletic option with decent hands and a deep game.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
36
Keelan Doss
6'2"
211
UC Davis
73.65
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
Physical at the catch point with some but limited growth potential.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
37
Darius Slayton
6'1"
190
Auburn
73.4
73
4.39
4.15
7
40.5
N/A
WR1 physical skills but inconsistent at everthing.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
38
Jamal Custis
6'4"
214
Syracuse
73.35
69
4.50
N/A
N/A
34.5
N/A
Hands are up and down.
WR3-WR4 with WR2 potential
V
39
Jakobi Meyers
6'2"
203
NC State
73.25
77.5
4.63
4.23
7.07
N/A
N/A
A converted QB with an admirable slot game who could overachieve in the slot.
Special Teams/Slot
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
V
40
Jazz Ferguson
6'5"
227
Northwestern St.
72.55
89
4.45
4.59
7.25
37.0
8
Big, strong, fast, and tracks the ball well, Ferguson has growth potential.
WR4-WR5 with WR2 potential
V
41
Olabisi Johnson
6'0"
203
Colorado State
72.35
65.5
N/A
4.16
6.88
38.0
14
Metrics don't show up as much on tape but he has some potential to develop into a contributor.
WR4-WR5 with WR2 potential
V
42
David Sills V
6'3"
211
West Virginia
72.3
73
4.57
4.28
6.97
N/A
N/A
A finesse player who benefitted from a top quarterback.
WR4-WR5 with WR2 potential
V
43
Jovon Durante
5'11"
160
FAU
72.15
78
4.55
4.31
7.00
31.5
N/A
The T.Y. Hilton "Reserve" Model.
Special Teams
V
44
Anthony Ratliff- Williams
6'1"
205
UNC
71.95
75.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Wins jump balls and a skilled open-field runner, but unrefined technician at the position.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
V
45
Johnnie Dixon
5"10"
201
Ohio State
71.95
61
4.41
4.43
N/A
37.5
16
Great speed + achy knees
= one-dimensional.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
V
46
DaMarkus Lodge
6'2"
204
Ole Miss
71.55
68.5
N/A
4.53
7.06
N/A
N/A
Worked deep at Ole Miss but that won't work in the NFL.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
V
47
Diontae Johnson
5'10"
183
Toledo
71.15
67
N/A
4.45
7.09
33.5
15
Inconsistent big-play threat.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
VI
48
Trevon Brown
6'2"
215
ECU
69.85
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Slow big-play theat at the college level. See Damarkus Lodge.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
VI
49
Jamarius Way
6'4"
220
South Alabama
69.85
75.5
4.63
4.66
N/A
N/A
N/A
See above.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
VI
50
Trenton Irwin
6'2"
204
Stanford
69.75
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Special teams option with some possession skills.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
VI
51
KeeSean Johnson
6'1"
201
Fresno State
69.7
78
N/A
4.23
7.28
30.0
14
Developmental possession player.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
VI
52
Nyqwan Murray
5'10"
191
Florida State
68.15
66.5
4.63
4.40
7.20
N/A
N/A
Developmental slot.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
Big Board (Top 24)
Note: The prospects below are at least 6-0 and have a projectable weight near 210 pounds. If the player is close to the height and weight, I’ll make a judgment call about placing him here. They fit into a broader range of NFL offenses as potential starters. Although there is a valid, productive archetype of smaller receivers, if you’re a risk-averse fantasy owner or you prefer data points over individual cases, then this list is a good starting point.
I believe in the value of seeking the exceptions to the rule, but my job is to provide information that can suit a wide range of philosophies. There is a lot of specialization of roles for receivers in the NFL right now. This filtered ranking should make it easier for those of you with a rigid guideline of what a good receiver prospect looks like.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
I
1
Hakeem Butler
6'5"
227
Iowa State
93.9
88
4.48
N/A
N/A
36.0
18
Butler is the closest thing to Calvin Johnson in this draft. And he's being trained by Megatron.
Primary threat at all three positions.
I
2
Miles Boykin
6'4"
220
Notre Dame
91.85
85
4.42
4.07
6.77
43.5
12
The real Combine Wonder, Boykin is one of the complete players in this class.
Primary threat at flanker or split end.
I
3
A.J. Brown
6'0"
226
Ole Miss
91.7
84
4.49
N/A
N/A
36.5
19
Brown is known as a slot player, but he can win outside with speed and physicality. Safest WR on the board.
Primary threat in the slot or flanker.
II
4
D.K. Metcalf
6'3"
228
Ole Miss
87
64.5
4.33
4.50
7.38
40.5
27
Violent hands and blazing speed in muscle-bound frame, Metcalf wins on straight-line routes and jump balls. And that's good
enough.
Monster deep threat and red zone option.
II
5
Deebo Samuel
5'11"
214
South Carolina
86.8
85
4.48
4.14
7.03
N/A
N/A
Samuel can kill you with a deathblow or a thousand paper cuts.
Name it, he'll do it well.
II
6
N'Keal Harry
6'2"
228
Arizona St.
86.1
77.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
38.5
27
A big slot weapon that will earn significant targets outside and in the red zone.
Not a burner, but rugged and an aerial artist.
Big slot with perimeter fade routes and potetial focal point.
II
7
Preston Williams
6'4"
211
Colorado State
86.05
86
4.55
4.36
7.06
31.5
N/A
If A.J. Green came in various models, Williams would be the "Starter Version" to the original "All-Pro" model.
Flanker or split end and potential focal point.
II
8
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
6'0"
202
Nebraska
85.15
86
4.53
4.13
6.78
N/A
N/A
A physical, quick, and sure- handed receiver with an AFC North mentality about football.
Flanker or slot with possession- plus skills.
II
9
Parris Campbell
6'0"
205
Ohio State
85.05
80.5
4.31
4.03
N/A
40.0
11
He may lack refinement, but his sound fundamentals will facilitate fast development. He impress now, star later.
Big-play slot and eventual focal point.
III
10
Kelvin Harmon
6'2"
221
NC State
84.75
86
4.60
4.32
7.15
32.5
18
A physical possession receiver who can win with selected vertical routes.
Possession- plus split end.
III
11
Jalen Hurd
6'5"
226
Baylor
83.7
89.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
A former 5-star RB who impressively reconstructed his game and is poised for a strong NFL career at 1-2 WR
position and occasional work at RB.
Big slot now; primary perimeter option later.
III
12
Riley Ridley
6'2"
200
UGA
83.45
79
4.58
4.28
N/A
N/A
N/A
A sound possession threat with hints that he can do a little more downfield.
Possession guy.
III
13
Emmanuel Butler
6'3"
217
N. Arizona
82.85
83.5
N/A
4.22
N/A
36.0
11
A big, strong receiver with excellent ball tracking and a physical but agile game.
Eventual WR with shot to become a WR1.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
III
14
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
6'2"
225
Stanford
82.3
92.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Improved hands and routes from a known box-out specialist with more to show.
Eventual WR2.
III
15
Reggie White, Jr.
6'2"
208
Monmouth
80.75
80
4.45
4.07
6.77
37.5
N/A
Scouts say he's the best prospect to ever play at Monmouth, including Miles Austin.
Eventual WR2 with possession- plus skill.
III
16
Travis Fulgham
6'2"
215
Old Dominion
80.3
79
4.58
N/A
N/A
36.5
15
Rugged rebounder with suddenness for his size and a relentless blocker.
Potential WR2
III
17
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
6'4
210
Texas
79.5
85.5
4.75
4.29
N/A
33.5
13
A former RB with a big slot profile and some of the best mitts in this star-studded class.
Big Slot
III
18
Tyre Brady
6'2"
211
Marshall
77.75
85.5
4.74
N/A
N/A
32.0
12
Compensates for slow long speed with acceleration, C.O.D., and a never-say-die attitude at the catch point.
Potential WR2
IV
19
Emanuel Hall
6'2"
201
Missouri
77.05
68.5
4.39
N/A
N/A
43.5
15
Graceful deep threat who could grow into more if he works hard and overcomes drops.
Potential WR2 or deep threat specialist.
IV
20
Antoine Wesley
6'4"
206
Texas Tech
76.75
83
N/A
4.26
7.07
N/A
N/A
Quick enough and flashes impressive ball skills and release work. Consistency needed.
Potential WR2, slot, or red zone specialist.
IV
21
Juwann Winfree
6'1"
210
Colorado
76.35
78
4.50
4.26
6.97
33.0
16
A worker bee route runner with reliable hands who continues getting better every year. Better athlete than many realize.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
IV
22
Shawn Poindexter
6'4"
212
Arizona
74.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Long, tall reserve with growth potential.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
IV
23
Felton Davis III
6'3"
211
Michigan St.
74.55
74.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Big slot option who steals the ball like a lunchroom bully.
WR3-WR4
with slot potential.
IV
24
Terry McLaurin
6'1"
205
Ohio State
73.95
79.5
4.35
4.15
7.01
N/A
N/A
Fast-rising reserve who impressed at the Senior Bowl but has flaws as a pass catcher.
Special teams/Flanker with boom- bust starter upside
“Slot” Board (Top 20)
Note: Not all of these receivers are destined for a slot role, but they all have potential to do productive work there. Some of these players are not remotely small but “big slot” material. I’m a believer in seeking exceptions to the rule. These players are often precursors to the next mode of conventional thinking. What seemed crazy in the past is often desired in the future.
There are greater risks associated with this approach, because it requires a greater understanding of football, and in some cases, human beings to have consistent success. However, some of the best players are often the least conventional.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
I
1
Hakeem Butler
6'5"
227
Iowa State
93.9
88
4.48
N/A
N/A
36.0
18
Butler is the closest thing to Calvin Johnson in this draft. And he's being trained by Megatron.
Primary threat at all three positions.
I
2
A.J. Brown
6'0"
226
Ole Miss
91.7
84
4.49
N/A
N/A
36.5
19
Brown is known as a slot player, but he can win outside with speed and physicality. Safest WR on the board.
Primary threat in the slot or flanker.
I
3
Deebo Samuel
5'11"
214
South Carolina
86.8
85
4.48
4.14
7.03
N/A
N/A
Samuel can kill you with a deathblow or a thousand paper cuts.
Name it, he'll do it well.
II
4
N'Keal Harry
6'2"
228
Arizona St.
86.1
77.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
38.5
27
A big slot weapon that will earn significant targets outside and in the red zone.
Not a burner, but rugged and an aerial artist.
Big slot with perimeter fade routes and potetial focal point.
II
5
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
6'0"
202
Nebraska
85.15
86
4.53
4.13
6.78
N/A
N/A
A physical, quick, and sure- handed receiver with an AFC North mentality about football.
Flanker or slot with
possession-plus skills.
II
6
Parris Campbell
6'0"
205
Ohio State
85.05
80.5
4.31
4.03
N/A
40.0
11
He may lack refinement, but his sound fundamentals will facilitate fast development. He impress now, star later.
Big-play slot and eventual focal point.
II
7
Marquise Brown
5'9"
166
Oklahoma
84.3
73.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Is he an outside deep threat, a big-play slot, or both?
Slot underneath and perimeter deep.
II
8
Jalen Hurd
6'5"
226
Baylor
83.7
89.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
A former 5-star RB who has impressively reconstructed his game and is poised for a strong NFL career at 1-2 WR position and occasional work
at RB.
Big slot now; primary perimeter option later.
II
9
Hunter Renfrow
5'10"
184
Clemson
81.45
87.5
4.59
4.19
6.80
35.0
7
Refined slot receiver with high-volume potential.
Slot
III
10
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
6'4
210
Texas
79.5
85.5
4.75
4.29
N/A
33.5
13
A former RB with a big slot profile and some of the best mitts in this star-studded class.
Big Slot
III
11
Olamide Zaccheaus
5'8"
190
Virginia
78.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An underrated big-play slot receiver with some route skills on the perimeter and scatback work from the backfield.
Special Teams/Slot
III
12
Penny Hart
5'8"
180
Georgia State
78.3
84.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ditto but with better routes and minor hands issues.
Special Teams/Slot
III
13
Antoine Wesley
6'4"
206
Texas Tech
76.75
83
N/A
4.26
7.07
N/A
N/A
Quick enough and flashes impressive ball skills and release work. Consistency needed.
Potential WR2, slot, or red zone specialist.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
III
14
Greg Dortch
5'7"
173
Wake Forest
76.65
75.5
4.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Tough big-play slot weapon still learning the position.
Special Teams/Slot
III
15
Andy Isabella
5'9"
188
Umass
76.5
77.5
N/A
4.15
6.95
36.5
15
Speedy slot receiver with slick moves, but must reserve dancing for the club.
Special Teams/Slot
III
16
Felton Davis III
6'3"
211
Michigan St.
74.55
74.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Big slot option who steals the ball like a lunchroom bully.
WR3-WR4 with slot potential.
III
17
Mecole Hardman
5'11"
183
UGA
74.35
75
4.33
N/A
N/A
36.5
17
Big-play slot weapon who didn't run a lot of slot routes. Excellent return specialist.
Special Teams/Slot
III
18
Cody Thompson
6'2"
200
Toledo
73.85
84.5
4.57
4.03
6.87
N/A
N/A
Quick slot receiver with highs and lows as a pass catcher and a strong special teams resume.
Special Teams/Slot
IV
19
Jakobi Meyers
6'2"
203
NC State
73.25
77.5
4.63
4.23
7.07
N/A
N/A
A converted QB with an admirable slot game who could overachieve in the slot.
Special Teams/Slot
IV
20
Nyqwan Murray
5'10"
191
Florida State
68.15
66.5
4.63
4.40
7.20
N/A
N/A
Developmental slot.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
WR Comparisons Table (52 Players)
Note: In theory, player comparisons are a reader-friendly way to get a clearer mental picture of a player’s physical build, athleticism, technical skills, and potential. In practice, this is a hit-or-miss process that, at the very least, is an entertaining exercise. Each “-“ is an approximate level of separation between one player’s talent and the next. Each “/” between the “X” and a player’s name means the prospect’s talents closely resemble those of the mentioned player. The key word is “talent,” because there are some players with lesser careers listed ahead of more famous or productive peers. This is my subjective interpretation of a talent and not success.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
I
1
Hakeem Butler
6'5"
227
Iowa State
93.9
88
4.48
N/A
N/A
36.0
18
A mix of Calvin Johnson and Plaxico Burress
I
2
Miles Boykin
6'4"
220
Notre Dame
91.85
85
4.42
4.07
6.77
43.5
12
A mix of Josh Gordon and Terrell Owens
I
3
A.J. Brown
6'0"
226
Ole Miss
91.7
84
4.49
N/A
N/A
36.5
19
Anquan Boldin
II
4
D.K. Metcalf
6'3"
228
Ole Miss
87
64.5
4.33
4.50
7.38
40.5
27
Vincent Jackson-X-Kelvin Benjamin
II
5
Deebo Samuel
5'11"
214
South Carolina
86.8
85
4.48
4.14
7.03
N/A
N/A
Jimmy Smith-X
II
6
N'Keal Harry
6'2"
228
Arizona St.
86.1
77.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
38.5
27
Dez Bryant-X/Michael Westbrook
II
7
Preston Williams
6'4"
211
Colorado State
86.05
86
4.55
4.36
7.06
31.5
N/A
A.J. Green-X
II
8
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
6'0"
202
Nebraska
85.15
86
4.53
4.13
6.78
N/A
N/A
Hines Ward/Roddy White-X
II
9
Parris Campbell
6'0"
205
Ohio State
85.05
80.5
4.31
4.03
N/A
40.0
11
Wes Chandler-X-Eddie Kennison
III
10
Kelvin Harmon
6'2"
221
NC State
84.75
86
4.60
4.32
7.15
32.5
18
Allen Robinson-x-Jarrett Boykin
III
11
Marquise Brown
5'9"
166
Oklahoma
84.3
73.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Gary Clark-X
III
12
Jalen Hurd
6'5"
226
Baylor
83.7
89.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
X-Kenny Golladay
III
13
Riley Ridley
6'2"
200
UGA
83.45
79
4.58
4.28
N/A
N/A
N/A
Chad Johnson-Brandon Lloyd-Robert Woods-X
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
III
14
Emmanuel Butler
6'3"
217
N. Arizona
82.85
83.5
N/A
4.22
N/A
36.0
11
Larry Fitzgerald-Herman Moore-X
III
15
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
6'2"
225
Stanford
82.3
92.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Muhsin Muhammad-X
III
16
Hunter Renfrow
5'10"
184
Clemson
81.45
87.5
4.59
4.19
6.80
35.0
7
Danny Amendola-X
III
17
Reggie White, Jr.
6'2"
208
Monmouth
80.75
80
4.45
4.07
6.77
37.5
N/A
Marvin Jones/X
III
18
Travis Fulgham
6'2"
215
Old Dominion
80.3
79
4.58
N/A
N/A
36.5
15
Michael Crabtree-X
IV
19
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
6'4
210
Texas
79.5
85.5
4.75
4.29
N/A
33.5
13
Marques Colston--X
IV
20
Olamide Zaccheaus
5'8"
190
Virginia
78.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ronnie Harmon--X
IV
21
Penny Hart
5'8"
180
Georgia State
78.3
84.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Richie James-X-Jacoby Ford
IV
22
Tyre Brady
6'2"
211
Marshall
77.75
85.5
4.74
N/A
N/A
32.0
12
A.J. Green-Josh Reynolds--X
IV
23
Emanuel Hall
6'2"
201
Missouri
77.05
68.5
4.39
N/A
N/A
43.5
15
X/Justin Hunter
IV
24
Antoine Wesley
6'4"
206
Texas Tech
76.75
83
N/A
4.26
7.07
N/A
N/A
Josh Reynolds/Rishard Matthews-X
IV
25
Greg Dortch
5'7"
173
Wake Forest
76.65
75.5
4.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Davone Bess-X
IV
26
Andy Isabella
5'9"
188
Umass
76.5
77.5
N/A
4.15
6.95
36.5
15
Wes Welker with speed?
IV
27
Dillon Mitchell
6'1"
197
Oregon
76.35
84
4.46
4.29
N/A
N/A
N/A
Jeremy Maclin-X
IV
28
Juwann Winfree
6'1"
210
Colorado
76.35
78
4.50
4.26
6.97
33.0
16
Michael Crabtree-X
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
V
29
Shawn Poindexter
6'4"
212
Arizona
74.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Keyshawn Johnson--X
V
30
Felton Davis III
6'3"
211
Michigan St.
74.55
74.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Larry Fitzgerald--X
V
31
Mecole Hardman
5'11"
183
UGA
74.35
75
4.33
N/A
N/A
36.5
17
Henry Ellard--X
V
32
Terry McLaurin
6'1"
205
Ohio State
73.95
79.5
4.35
4.15
7.01
N/A
N/A
Joe Horn--X
V
33
Cody Thompson
6'2"
200
Toledo
73.85
84.5
4.57
4.03
6.87
N/A
N/A
Julian Edelman-X/Damien Williams
V
34
Anthony Johnson
6'2"
209
Buffalo
73.85
80.5
N/A
N/A
7.12
N/A
N/A
James Jones-X
V
35
Xavier Ubosi
6'2"
215
UAB
73.7
65
4.5
N/A
N/A
33.5
14
Michael Thomas
V
36
Keelan Doss
6'2"
211
UC Davis
73.65
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
Rishard Matthews-X
V
37
Darius Slayton
6'1"
190
Auburn
73.4
73
4.39
4.15
7
40.5
N/A
DeVante Parker?
V
38
Jamal Custis
6'4"
214
Syracuse
73.35
69
4.50
N/A
N/A
34.5
N/A
Vincent Jackson-Marques Colston-X/Chris Matthews
V
39
Jakobi Meyers
6'2"
203
NC State
73.25
77.5
4.63
4.23
7.07
N/A
N/A
Darrell Jackson-X-Andre King
V
40
Jazz Ferguson
6'5"
227
Northwestern St.
72.55
89
4.45
4.59
7.25
37.0
8
Mike Evans-Michael Floyd--X
V
41
Olabisi Johnson
6'0"
203
Colorado State
72.35
65.5
N/A
4.16
6.88
38.0
14
Chris McGaha/X
V
42
David Sills V
6'3"
211
West Virginia
72.3
73
4.57
4.28
6.97
N/A
N/A
Koren Robinson-X
V
43
Jovon Durante
5'11"
160
FAU
72.15
78
4.55
4.31
7.00
31.5
N/A
T.Y. Hilton-X
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
V
44
Anthony Ratliff- Williams
6'1"
205
UNC
71.95
75.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Yancey Thigpen--X
V
45
Johnnie Dixon
5"10"
201
Ohio State
71.95
61
4.41
4.43
N/A
37.5
16
Bryon Marshall-X
V
46
DaMarkus Lodge
6'2"
204
Ole Miss
71.55
68.5
N/A
4.53
7.06
N/A
N/A
Allen Hurns-X
V
47
Diontae Johnson
5'10"
183
Toledo
71.15
67
N/A
4.45
7.09
33.5
15
Dede Westbrook--X
VI
48
Trevon Brown
6'2"
215
ECU
69.85
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Steven Dunbar-X
VI
49
Jamarius Way
6'4"
220
South Alabama
69.85
75.5
4.63
4.66
N/A
N/A
N/A
Kassim Osgood--X
VI
50
Trenton Irwin
6'2"
204
Stanford
69.75
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Jakobi Meyers-X
VI
51
KeeSean Johnson
6'1"
201
Fresno State
69.7
78
N/A
4.23
7.28
30.0
14
Anthony Johnson-X
VI
52
Nyqwan Murray
5'10"
191
Florida State
68.15
66.5
4.63
4.40
7.20
N/A
N/A
Davone Bess-Josh Cooper/X
WR (Depth of Talent) Rankings without Projection Bonuses
The “Non-Adjusted” column is the Depth of Talent Score without projection bonuses baked into the total. If you’re judging the strength of this class on what they can do right now, the conclusion that it’s a weak class is right. However, most of my projections for improvement are reasonable expectations, so I wouldn’t recommend using this table as a cheat sheet for your fantasy drafts. Still, it’s fascinating to see what I think about these players without projecting development into the analysis.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non- Adjusted
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
I
1
Hakeem Butler
6'5"
227
Iowa State
85.9
93.9
88
4.48
N/A
N/A
36.0
18
Butler is the closest thing to Calvin Johnson in this draft. And he's being trained by Megatron.
I
2
Miles Boykin
6'4"
220
Notre Dame
79.8
91.85
85
4.42
4.07
6.77
43.5
12
The real Combine Wonder, Boykin is one of the most complete players in this class.
I
3
A.J. Brown
6'0"
226
Ole Miss
79.8
91.7
84
4.49
N/A
N/A
36.5
19
Brown is known as a slot player, but he can win outside with speed and physicality. Safest WR on the board.
II
4
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
6'0"
202
Nebraska
79.2
85.15
86
4.53
4.13
6.78
N/A
N/A
A physical, quick, and sure-handed receiver with an AFC North mentality about football.
II
5
D.K. Metcalf
6'3"
228
Ole Miss
79
87
64.5
4.33
4.50
7.38
40.5
27
Violent hands and blazing speed in muscle-bound frame. Metcalf wins on straight-line routes and jump balls.
And that's good enough.
II
6
Preston Williams
6'4"
211
Colorado State
78
86.05
86
4.55
4.36
7.06
31.5
N/A
If A.J. Green came in various models, Williams would be the "Starter Version" to the original "All-Pro" model.
II
7
Deebo Samuel
5'11"
214
South Carolina
77.6
86.8
85
4.48
4.14
7.03
N/A
N/A
Samuel can kill you with a deathblow or a thousand paper cuts.
II
8
Marquise Brown
5'9"
166
Oklahoma
77.1
84.3
73.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Is he an outside deep threat, a big- play slot, or both?
II
9
Hunter Renfrow
5'10"
184
Clemson
76.5
81.45
87.5
4.59
4.19
6.80
35.0
7
Refined slot receiver with high- volume potential.
III
10
Kelvin Harmon
6'2"
221
NC State
75.5
84.75
86
4.60
4.32
7.15
32.5
18
A physical possession receiver who can win with selected vertical routes.
III
11
Parris Campbell
6'0"
205
Ohio State
73.6
85.05
80.5
4.31
4.03
N/A
40.0
11
He may lack refinement, but his sound fundamentals will facilitate fast development. He impress now, star later.
III
12
Riley Ridley
6'2"
200
UGA
73.4
83.45
79
4.58
4.28
N/A
N/A
N/A
A sound possession threat with hints that he can do a little more downfield.
III
13
Olamide Zaccheaus
5'8"
190
Virginia
73.1
78.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An underrated big-play slot receiver with some route skills on the perimeter and scatback work from the backfield.
III
14
Jalen Hurd
6'5"
226
Baylor
72.8
83.7
89.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
A former 5-star RB who has impressively reconstructed his game and is poised for a strong NFL career at 1-2 WR position and occasional work at RB.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non- Adjusted
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
III
15
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
6'2"
225
Stanford
72.3
82.3
92.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Improved hands and routes from a known box-out specialist with more to show.
III
16
Emmanuel Butler
6'3"
217
N. Arizona
71.8
82.85
83.5
N/A
4.22
N/A
36.0
11
A big, strong receiver with excellent ball tracking and a physical but agile game.
III
17
N'Keal Harry
6'2"
228
Arizona St.
70.9
86.1
77.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
38.5
27
A big slot weapon that will earn significant targets outside and in the red zone. Not a burner, but rugged and an aerial artist.
III
18
Penny Hart
5'8"
180
Georgia State
70.3
78.3
84.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ditto but with better routes and minor hands issues.
IV
19
Dillon Mitchell
6'1"
197
Oregon
70.3
76.35
84
4.46
4.29
N/A
N/A
N/A
If he fixes the addressable issues with his hands, he's a future starter. If not, he's a tease with dynamic playmaking potential.
IV
20
Tyre Brady
6'2"
211
Marshall
69.7
77.75
85.5
4.74
N/A
N/A
32.0
12
Compensates for slow long speed with acceleration, C.O.D., and a never-say-die attitude at the catch point.
IV
21
Juwann Winfree
6'1"
210
Colorado
69.2
76.35
78
4.50
4.26
6.97
33.0
16
A worker bee route runner with reliable hands who continues getting better every year. Better athlete than many realize.
IV
22
Reggie White, Jr.
6'2"
208
Monmouth
69
80.75
80
4.45
4.07
6.77
37.5
N/A
Scouts say he's the best prospect to ever play at Monmouth, including Miles Austin.
IV
23
Travis Fulgham
6'2"
215
Old Dominion
68.9
80.3
79
4.58
N/A
N/A
36.5
15
Rugged rebounder with suddenness for his size and a relentless blocker.
IV
24
Jakobi Meyers
6'2"
203
NC State
68.7
73.25
77.5
4.63
4.23
7.07
N/A
N/A
A converted QB with an admirable slot game who could overachieve in the slot.
IV
25
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
6'4
210
Texas
68.5
79.5
85.5
4.75
4.29
N/A
33.5
13
A former RB with a big slot profile and some of the best mitts in this star-studded class.
IV
26
Shawn Poindexter
6'4"
212
Arizona
67.6
74.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Long, tall reserve with growth potential.
IV
27
Emanuel Hall
6'2"
201
Missouri
66.1
77.05
68.5
4.39
N/A
N/A
43.5
15
Graceful deep threat who could grow into more if he works hard and overcomes drops.
IV
28
Cody Thompson
6'2"
200
Toledo
66.1
73.85
84.5
4.57
4.03
6.87
N/A
N/A
Quick slot receiver with highs and lows as a pass catcher and a strong special teams resume.
V
29
Anthony Johnson
6'2"
209
Buffalo
66.1
73.85
80.5
N/A
N/A
7.12
N/A
N/A
A tough and savvy possession receiver who comes up a little short as a potential NFL starter.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non- Adjusted
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
V
30
Keelan Doss
6'2"
211
UC Davis
65.3
73.65
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
Physical at the catch point with some but limited growth potential.
V
31
Andy Isabella
5'9"
188
Umass
65.1
76.5
77.5
N/A
4.15
6.95
36.5
15
Speedy slot receiver with slick moves, but must reserve dancing for the club.
V
32
Antoine Wesley
6'4"
206
Texas Tech
64.7
76.75
83
N/A
4.26
7.07
N/A
N/A
Quick enough and flashes impressive ball skills and release work.
Consistency needed.
V
33
Felton Davis III
6'3"
211
Michigan St.
63.8
74.55
74.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Big slot option who steals the ball like a lunchroom bully.
V
34
Johnnie Dixon
5"10"
201
Ohio State
63.4
71.95
61
4.41
4.43
N/A
37.5
16
Great speed + achy knees = one- dimensional.
V
35
Anthony Ratliff- Williams
6'1"
205
UNC
63.2
71.95
75.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Wins jump balls and a skilled open- field runner, but unrefined technician at the position.
V
36
Xavier Ubosi
6'2"
215
UAB
63.2
73.7
65
4.5
N/A
N/A
33.5
14
Raw, athletic option with decent hands and a deep game.
V
37
Mecole Hardman
5'11"
183
UGA
62.6
74.35
75
4.33
N/A
N/A
36.5
17
Big-play slot weapon who didn't run a lot of slot routes. Excellent return specialist.
V
38
Terry McLaurin
6'1"
205
Ohio State
62.4
73.95
79.5
4.35
4.15
7.01
N/A
N/A
Fast-rising reserve who impressed at the Senior Bowl but has flaws as a pass catcher.
V
39
Jamal Custis
6'4"
214
Syracuse
62.1
73.35
69
4.50
N/A
N/A
34.5
N/A
Hands are up and down.
V
40
Darius Slayton
6'1"
190
Auburn
61.1
73.4
73
4.39
4.15
7
40.5
N/A
WR1 physical skills but inconsistent at everthing.
V
41
Olabisi Johnson
6'0"
203
Colorado State
61.1
72.35
65.5
N/A
4.16
6.88
38.0
14
Metrics don't show up as much on tape, but he has some potential to develop into a contributor.
V
42
Greg Dortch
5'7"
173
Wake Forest
60.7
76.65
75.5
4.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Tough big-play slot weapon that is still learning the position.
V
43
Jazz Ferguson
6'5"
227
Northwestern St.
60.1
72.55
89
4.45
4.59
7.25
37.0
8
Big, strong, fast, and tracks the ball well, Ferguson has growth potential.
V
44
David Sills V
6'3"
211
West Virginia
59.8
72.3
73
4.57
4.28
6.97
N/A
N/A
A finesse player who benefitted from a top quarterback.
Tier
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non- Adjusted
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
V
45
Trevon Brown
6'2"
215
ECU
59.5
69.85
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Slow big-play theat at the college level. See Damarkus Lodge.
V
46
Greg Campbell, Jr.
6'1"
185
UTSA
59.2
66.95
75.5
Possession receiver with some leapig ability.
V
47
Diontae Johnson
5'10"
183
Toledo
58.9
71.15
67
N/A
4.45
7.09
33.5
15
Inconsistent big-play threat.
VI
48
Jamarius Way
6'4"
220
South Alabama
58.3
69.85
75.5
4.63
4.66
N/A
N/A
N/A
See above.
VI
49
Trenton Irwin
6'2"
204
Stanford
57.7
69.75
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Special teams option with some possession skills.
VI
50
Jovon Durante
5'11"
160
FAU
57.4
72.15
78
4.55
4.31
7.00
31.5
N/A
The T.Y. Hilton "Reserve" Model.
VI
51
Nyqwan Murray
5'10"
191
Florida State
57.4
68.15
66.5
4.63
4.40
7.20
N/A
N/A
Developmental slot.
VI
52
KeeSean Johnson
6'1"
201
Fresno State
57
69.7
78
N/A
4.23
7.28
30.0
14
Developmental possession player.
WR (Depth of Talent) Rankings 2017-2019
This list of 150 wide receiver prospects from the past three years is sorted by depth of talent. It is not an updated ranking, but rather, a look at how I would have seen these players from the same starting point as prospects without a team prior to the draft. Think of the list as one solely about grading talent and not landing spot, scheme, or how the player performed in the NFL.
The long-term, aspirational goal of this combined list will be to develop a workable score that has some value across draft classes. Because the RSP’s process is built on continuous improvement, adjustments to the scoring criteria will make this aspirational goal difficult to attain over the course of the next few years.
The realistic goal of this combined list is entertainment value and a starting point for the reader to conduct research on his own that may prove helpful for fantasy leagues. Here are possible ways this list may help:
A combined present and short-term historical perspective on the value of players and draft picks at the position.
Perspective on emerging, unproven, or declining players (helpful for formulating trade value).
A short-term historical perspective with physical and athletic measurements.
An updated three-year rankingbased on how I see these players heading into the 2017 season will be available in the RSP Post-Draft Publication.
Note: I suggest beginning your examination using tiers by Depth of Talent Score and demarcate the tiers by 10 points:
Tier 1: 90-100
Tier 2: 80-89
Tier 3: 70-79
Tier 4: 60-69
Focus more on the range these players fall rather than the linear order. Remember, players with a specific fit in a system may score lower than their actual potential of impact will indicate which is why the RSP is implementing Scheme-Based analysis for additional perspective and clarity about prospects and their short-term and long-term potential.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
1
Hakeem Butler
6'5"
227
Iowa State
93.9
88
4.48
N/A
N/A
36.0
18
Butler is the closest thing to Calvin Johnson in this draft. And he's being trained by Megatron.
Primary threat at all three positions.
2
Miles Boykin
6'4"
220
Notre Dame
91.85
85
4.42
4.07
6.77
43.5
12
The real Combine Wonder, Boykin is one of the most complete players in this class.
Primary threat at flanker or split end.
3
A.J. Brown
6'0"
226
Ole Miss
91.7
84
4.49
N/A
N/A
36.5
19
Brown is known as a slot player, but he can win outside with speed and physicality. Safest WR on the board.
Primary threat in the slot or flanker.
4
Corey Davis
6'3"
210
W. Michigan
87.85
83.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Davis is quicker than fast, runs good routes that will only get better, he wins the ball, and he's a difficult tackle. A future high-end WR2 with WR1 upside.
Man, Timing, Zone, Vertical, Red zone, Big Slot, WR1/WR2
blend.
5
Dante Pettis
6'0"
186
Washington
87.7
87
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A flexible aerialist with excellent skill after the catch and refined routes, Pettis may never be a primary option, but his skills scream WR1B.
Multi- dimensional starter and KR/PR.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
6
Calvin Ridley
6'1"
189
Alabama
87.25
86
4.43
4.41
6.88
31
15
In an offense where the play-action game is efficient, Ridley can be a star. The only real question mark is his work against physical, patient corners.
Multi- dimensional starter and KR/PR.
7
D.J. Moore
6'0"
210
Maryland
87.25
83.5
4.42
4.07
6.95
39.5
15
Moore can become the best WR in this class and by a mile, if he can develop better press-release and fade-route plans at the boundary. Best inside the numbers right now.
Slot/Perimeter Hybrid and KR/PR.
8
D.K. Metcalf
6'3"
228
Ole Miss
87
64.5
4.33
4.50
7.38
40.5
27
Violent hands and blazing speed in muscle-bound frame. Metcalf wins on straight-line routes and jump balls. And that's good enough.
Monster deep threat and red zone option.
9
Josh Reynolds
6'3"
194
Texas A&M
86.95
91.5
4.52
4.13
6.83
37
N/A
Drops some easier targets, but he makes all kinds of catches and better route runner than characterized. Even with a steady diet of drops, Reynolds is as good as any in this class.
Man, Timing, Zone, Vertical, Red zone option with WR1 upside.
10
Deebo Samuel
5'11"
214
South Carolina
86.8
85
4.48
4.14
7.03
N/A
N/A
Samuel can kill you with a deathblow or a thousand paper cuts.
Name it, he'll do it well.
11
Deon Cain
6'2"
202
Clemson
86.15
77.5
4.43
4.37
6.71
33.5
11
A smooth deep threat who makes catching the ball and dodging defenders look easy. He's not a safe pick here, but could be a great pick.
Big-play WR2/WR1B
12
N'Keal Harry
6'2"
228
Arizona St.
86.1
77.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
38.5
27
A big slot weapon that will earn significant targets outside and in the red zone. Not a burner, but rugged and an aerial artist.
Big slot with perimeter fade routes and potetial focal point.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
13
Preston Williams
6'4"
211
Colorado State
86.05
86
4.55
4.36
7.06
31.5
N/A
If A.J. Green came in various models, Williams would be the "Starter Version" to the original "All- Pro" model.
Flanker or split end and potential focal point.
14
John Ross
5'11"
188
Washington
85.65
75.5
4.22
N/A
N/A
37
N/A
A bully who knows that speed intimidates. He can be bullied back by CBs not intimidated by speed. Contact disrupts him. Must work on route depth, and hand usage to have an answer.
Man, Timing, Zone, Red zone, Vertical, Slot option with low-end WR1 upside.
Return specialist.
15
James Washington
5'11"
213
Oklahoma St.
85.45
88
4.49
4.32
7.11
39
14
Washington can become more than a deep threat and he's closer than many believe. If a team doesn’t wedge him into a one-dimensional role, we'll find out.
Big-play WR2/WR1B
16
ArDarius Stewart
5'11"
204
Alabama
85.45
87
4.49
N/A
N/A
34
N/A
Stewart plays like he's 6'3", 225 lbs. It’s scary-good that this smaller powerhouse could conceivably be in the slot? A versatile, physical, big- play threat.
Man, Timing, Zone, Red Zone, Vertical, Slot with high-end WR2 upside.
Return specialist.
17
Isaiah Ford
6'1"
194
Virginia Tech
85.45
83.5
4.52
4.34
6.94
35.5
14
A lot of good big-play threats in recent history were (and are) slower than Ford. He's a battle-tested press coverage player with great ball skills and toughness in the air.
Man, Timing, Zone, Vertical, Red Zone WR2 with low-end WR1 upside.
18
Kevin White
6’3”
215
West Virginia
85.35
94.5
4.35
4.14
6.92
36.5
23
White is quick, fast, more functionally strong, and a technically sound pass catcher. The routes are good and getting better. Jimmy Smith could do it all, and White has that upside. Those of you unfamiliar, imagine Larry Fitzgerald w/speed.
Timing, Slot, Vertical, Red zone, Zone, Man
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
19
Stanley Morgan, Jr.
6'0"
202
Nebraska
85.15
86
4.53
4.13
6.78
N/A
N/A
A physical, quick, and sure-handed receiver with an AFC North mentality about football.
Flanker or slot with possession- plus skills.
20
Christian Kirk
5'10"
201
Texas A&M
85.05
83.5
4.47
4.45
7.09
35.5
20
A slot option with excellent short- area skills, Kirk can improve his consistency with certain technical catching areas, but he shores those up at clutch moments.
Slot/Perimeter Hybrid and KR/PR.
21
Mike Williams
6'4"
218
Clemson
85.05
81.5
4.56
N/A
N/A
32.5
15
He grew on me, but he has work to do. Limited physical gifts that could lead to him underwhelming those with high expectations. This was a very hard-earned spot for him.
Man, Zone, Red Zone, Timing, Big slot and limited vertical option with high-end WR2 upside.
22
Parris Campbell
6'0"
205
Ohio State
85.05
80.5
4.31
4.03
N/A
40.0
11
He may lack refinement, but his sound fundamentals will facilitate fast development. He may impress now, star later.
Big-play slot and eventual focal point.
23
Kelvin Harmon
6'2"
221
NC State
84.75
86
4.60
4.32
7.15
32.5
18
A physical possession receiver who can win with selected vertical routes.
Possession- plus split end.
24
Chris Godwin
6'1"
209
Penn St.
84.35
79.5
4.42
4
7.01
36
19
Bigger and faster than Greg Jennings, but not as quick. However, similar where comp matters most: productive versus physical play, well-rounded, and savvy.
Potential to play all roles and high WR2 upside.
25
Marquise Brown
5'9"
166
Oklahoma
84.3
73.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Is he an outside deep threat, a big- play slot, or both?
Slot undernaeth and perimeter deep.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
26
Keke Coutee
5'10"
181
Texas Tech
84.15
77.5
4.43
4.15
6.93
34.5
14
A massive weapon in a mini- package, Coutee is a big-play slot receiver with perimeter potential.
Slot/Perimeter Hybrid and KR/PR.
27
Anthony Miller
5'11"
201
Memphis
84
82
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22
Miller still has a walk-on's work ethic and like Coutee, has the potential to blur the lines between two WR roles.
Slot/Perimeter Hybrid and KR/PR.
28
Dede Westbrook
6'0"
174
Oklahoma
83.95
88.5
4.34
4.34
7.24
34.5
N/A
Like Hilton, Westbrook wins the ball in tight coverage down field. May begin as slot, finish as key perimeter option.
Big-play slot with future on perimeter in man, timing, zone, and vertical roles.
High-end WR2 upside.
Return specialist.
29
Cooper Kupp
6'2"
204
Eastern Washington
83.9
87
4.62
4.08
6.75
31
N/A
Slower 40 time, but excellent quickness data that matches on- field play. Kupp has the best skills versus press coverage in this class and even if he's limited to slot, he's being slept on a bit due to a polarizing 40.
Slot with future on perimeter in man, timing, zone, and red zone with WR2 upside.
30
Richie James
5'10"
183
MTSU
83.75
82.5
4.48
4.16
6.87
35.5
6
James is an underrated weapon to know about.
Slot/Perimeter Hybrid and KR/PR.
31
Jordan Lasley
6'1"
203
UCLA
83.7
82.5
4.5
4.19
N/A
34.5
8
If he cuts down on the drops and becomes a true pro, he can be as good as any WR on this board.
Big-play WR2/WR1B
32
Jalen Hurd
6'5"
226
Baylor
83.7
89.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
A former 5-star RB who has impressively reconstructed his game and is poised for a strong NFL career at 1-2 WR position and occasional work at RB.
Big slot now; primary perimeter option later.
33
Byron Pringle
6'1"
203
Kansas State
83.65
83
4.46
4.4
6.87
33.5
15
Pringle is a big-play weapon with some technique issues at the catch point that are correctable.
Big-play WR2 and KR/PR
34
Amara Darboh
6'2"
214
Michigan
83.6
80
4.45
N/A
N/A
36
17
Darboh's degree of NFL success will come down to two factors: releases and hands. If he refines both to his upside, he could be a good NFL starter.
Big-play perimeter threat with WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, red zone, vertical games.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
35
Riley Ridley
6'2"
200
UGA
83.45
79
4.58
4.28
N/A
N/A
N/A
A sound possession threat with hints that he can do a little more downfield.
Possession guy.
36
JuJu Smith Schuster
6'1"
215
USC
83.3
84
4.54
N/A
N/A
32.5
15
I love that he flashes a hyper kinetic playing style like Dez Bryant.
Physical, clutch, and quicker than fast, he's a good receiver who is at worst, a reliable possession option. I have a feeling he’ll be more, though.
Possession- plus perimeter threat with WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, red zone, and limited vertical.
37
Emmanuel Butler
6'3"
217
N. Arizona
82.85
83.5
N/A
4.22
N/A
36.0
11
A big, strong receiver with excellent ball tracking and a physical but agile game.
Eventual WR with shot to become a WR1.
38
DaeSean Hamilton
6'1"
203
Penn State
82.85
87.5
N/A
4.15
6.84
34.5
N/A
Automatic 20 yards and in but quick enough to win at 25-30 yards. A quality PPR pick.
Slot
39
Dylan Cantrell
6'3"
226
Texas Tech
82.85
85
4.59
4.03
6.56
38.5
18
Cantrell has vacuum cleaner hands, is a nasty blocker, and uses his fantastic quickness like a con artist.
Big Slot
40
Jaleel Scott
6'5"
218
New Mexico State
82.75
80
4.56
4.4
7.2
34.5
16
Great ball skills and potential to become a good timing route runner.
Boom-bust shot to make huge strides in 2019-2020.
Eventual WR2 with shot to become WR1.
41
Marcell Ateman
6'4"
216
Oklahoma St.
82.75
77
4.62
4.25
7.07
34
13
A rebounder that is just quick enough to play on the perimeter. Future role may be overstated.
WR2 upside.
42
Chad Hansen
6'2"
202
California
82.45
77.5
4.53
4.13
6.74
35
11
A graceful down-field player at the catch point, Hansen is super-quick.
Big-play perimeter threat with WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, vertical, and red zone.
43
Isaiah "Zay" Jones
6'2"
201
East Carolina
82.35
88
4.45
4.01
6.79
36.5
15
A more advanced player than his quarterback could highlight, Jones can play outside and could be a good fantasy WR2 with low-end WR1 numbers if paired with an anticipatory thrower.
High-volume slot with perimeter potential and high-end WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, vertical, and red zone.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
44
JJ Arcega- Whiteside
6'2"
225
Stanford
82.3
92.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Improved hands and routes from a known box-out specialist with more to show.
Eventual WR2.
45
DeAngelo Yancey
6'2"
220
Purdue
81.85
81
4.48
4.24
6.89
35.5
21
If there's a true sleeper in this class, Yancey is it. Only a few I know saw his speed, quickness, and strength correctly, but it flashes on tape. A high ceiling intermediate and down field option.
Perimeter receiver with high-WR2 upside in man zone, red zone, and vertical.
46
Justin Watson
6'2"
213
Penn
81.55
85
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Potential to become a strong route runner. Good hands and underrated downfield.
WR2 upside.
47
Allen Lazard
6'5
227
Iowa State
81.55
66.5
4.55
N/A
N/A
38
17
If Lazard lands where a big slot is a productive spot, he will thrive. Minor hands issues that are easily correctable. Physical.
WR2/Big Slot upside.
48
Steven Dunbar, Jr.
6'3"
202
Houston
81.45
88.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A likely UDFA, Dunbar runs strong routes, wins downfield, and plays a physical and intelligent brand of ball. Sleeper.
WR4 with WR2 upside.
49
Malachi Dupre
6'2"
196
LSU
81.45
81.5
4.52
4.26
7.19
39.5
11
Dupre's game isn't as strong as aspects of his athletic profile, but he has promise to eventually start.
J.A.G. (Just A Guy) in spiffier packaging.
Perimeter receiver with low WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, vertical, and red zone.
50
Michael Gallup
6'1"
205
Colorado State
81.45
79.5
4.46
4.37
6.95
36
10
A physical receiver with enough speed and quickness to develop into a starter.
WR2
51
Hunter Renfrow
5'10"
184
Clemson
81.45
87.5
4.59
4.19
6.80
35.0
7
Refined slot receiver with high- volume potential.
Slot
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
52
Charone Peake
6'2"
209
Clemson
81.4
80.5
4.45
4.46
6.96
35.5
12
A physical receiver for his size who finally appears healthy enough to grow into the promise he had as a freshman.
Man, Timing, Zone, Vertical, Red Zone, Special Teams
53
Auden Tate
6'5"
228
FSU
81.2
71
4.68
N/A
N/A
N/A
31
If he proves he's quick enough, he could be a WR2. If not, he's a roleplaying reserve.
Red Zone Package w/WR2 potential
54
Tajae Sharpe
6'2"
194
UMass
81.15
92
4.55
N/A
N/A
33.5
11
An excellent collegiate route runner with fine hands, Sharpe has the potential to have a long career as a starter/contributor.
Man, Timing, Zone, Vertical
55
Sam Mentkowski
6'0"
195
UW-Oshkosh
80.85
83.5
4.41
4
6.76
35.5
3
Technically-sound route runner with excellent quickness and good hands but will need to prove he can make the jump in pressure and difficulty of completion.
WR 4 with WR2 upside.
56
Courtland Sutton
6'3"
218
SMU
80.75
74.5
4.54
4.11
6.57
35.5
18
The pragmatic take is to place Sutton as your WR7 on this board.
He'll likely earn enough opportunities to justify the ranking, but I'm not fudging on his flaws. If his upside hits, he's well within the top 10 with a score of 84.15 (route bump).
W1 upside.
57
Reggie White, Jr.
6'2"
208
Monmouth
80.75
80
4.45
4.07
6.77
37.5
N/A
Scouts say he's the best prospect to ever play at Monmouth, including Miles Austin.
Eventual WR2 with possession- plus skill.
58
J'Mon Moore
6'3"
207
Missouri
80.35
77
4.6
4.04
6.56
38
21
If Moore learns to capitalize on his quickness and acceleration, he has big-play starter upside.
WR2 upside.
59
Travis Fulgham
6'2"
215
Old Dominion
80.3
79
4.58
N/A
N/A
36.5
15
Rugged rebounder with suddenness for his size and a relentless blocker.
Potential WR2
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
60
Trey Quinn
5'11"
203
SMU
80.15
80
4.55
4.19
6.91
33.5
17
A competent slot receiver. Fit will determine upside.
Slot and PR/KR
61
Curtis Samuel
5'11"
196
Ohio State
79.85
79
4.31
4.33
7.09
37
18
Samuel's likelihood of converting his upside is strong enough that I recommend you draft him as one of the top 8-10 WRs on your board, even if he needs time to get there.
Slot, perimeter threat with high-WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, red zone, vertical, and return specialist.
62
Cedrick Wilson
6'2"
197
Boise State
79.55
75.5
4.55
4.23
6.89
37
9
Quicker than fast, Wilson is a smooth player. Upside is there if he improves releases.
WR4 and PR/KR with WR2 upside.
63
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
6'4
210
Texas
79.5
85.5
4.75
4.29
N/A
33.5
13
A former RB with a big slot profile and some of the best mitts in this star-studded class.
Big Slot
64
Fred Ross
6'1"
213
Mississippi St.
79.25
80
4.51
4.28
6.99
35
10
If Ross masters route depth and releases, he has nice upside as a steady WR2, and maybe better.
Perimeter WR with WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, red zone, and vertical.
65
D.J. Chark
6'3"
199
LSU
79.2
59.5
4.34
N/A
N/A
40
16
If he refines his technique as a pass catcher, he could start.
WR4 with WR2 upside.
66
Ishmael Zamora
6'4"
220
Baylor
79
76.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Zamora has the upside to belong with the Top 5 WRs in this class. However, there's enough to learn on and (although not graded against him) off the field that makes Zamora’s worst-case potential much lower.
Big-play perimeter WR with high- WR1 upside in all roles.
67
Equanimeous St. Brown
6'5"
214
Notre Dame
79
76.5
4.48
N/A
N/A
N/A
20
Brown looks the part and has learned a lot of skills of the position.
They disappear in NFL-caliber moments where they shine for most others.
WR4 with WR2 upside.
68
Olamide Zaccheaus
5'8"
190
Virginia
78.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An underrated big-play slot receiver with some route skills on the perimeter and scatback work from the backfield.
Special Teams/Slot
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
69
Ryan Switzer
5'8"
181
North Carolina
78.75
70
4.51
4
6.77
32
11
Switzer should thrive, because he'll create a lot of easy targets and do strong work with them. If he can generate tougher plays at the catch- point, his value rises significantly.
Slot with high-volume, high-end WR2 upside in slot,
timing, and zone.
70
Noah Brown
6'2"
222
Ohio State
78.7
88.5
N/A
4.33
7.07
N/A
19
His skill in the vertical game is a question mark, but Brown is a tough match-up near the red zone. A QB with faith in Brown will be rewarded.
Big slot, perimeter WR with WR2 upside in red zone, man, timing, and zone.
71
Deontay Burnett
6'0"
186
USC
78.7
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Great scramble drill player with strong acceleration but not likely to transcend the slot. Fit will matter.
Slot
72
Steve Ishmael
6'2"
209
Syracuse
78.45
87
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ishmael is strong at the catch point but lacks deep speed.
WR5 with big slot or WR2 upside.
73
Penny Hart
5'8"
180
Georgia State
78.3
84.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ditto but with better routes a minor hands issues.
Special Teams/Slot
74
Javon Wims
6'3"
215
UGA
78.3
78.5
4.53
N/A
7
33.5
N/A
Big, strong, and fluid, Wims must work on his hands technique. Slow acceleration an obstacle.
WR5 with WR2 upside.
75
Darren Carrington II
6'2"
199
Oregon/Utah
78.15
64.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
36
N/A
A great athlete with work ahead, but excellent pass catcher with open field prowess. Patience play.
WR5 with WR2 upside.
76
Jalin Marshall
5'11"
200
Ohio State
77.95
81.5
4.6
4.13
6.8
37.5
16
A slot receiver and return specialist with quickness, patience, and balance in the open field. Marshall has skill to win against tight coverage. If he can get savvier at winning position against DBs, he could become a downfield target.
Slot, Return Specialist, Zone, Red Zone
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
77
Taywan Taylor
5'11"
203
W. Kentucky
77.95
79
4.5
4.21
6.57
33.5
13
Acrobatic deep threat with skill after the catch. With route refinement and greater consistency with processes of the position, Taylor could become a big-play threat.
Big-play perimeter threat with WR2 upside in man, timing, vertical, and zone.
78
Devonte Boyd
6'1"
180
UNLV
77.95
77
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A technically-sound college receiver who might not be quick enough or strong enough to handle NFL cover corners. Savvy but possibly limited physically.
WR5 with WR2 upside.
79
Speedy Noil
5'11"
199
Texas A&M
77.9
91
N/A
N/A
N/A
43.5
18
He's a top-5 talent in this class, but consistency, discipline, and focus have limited the amount of tape where he shows it. If he discovers the Fountain of Maturity, Noil will be a steal. Until then, an NFL team may be at risk of him stealing their money.
Perimeter, slot, return threat with WR1 upside in all areas.
80
Tyre Brady
6'2"
211
Marshall
77.75
85.5
4.74
N/A
N/A
32.0
12
Compensates for slow long speed with acceleration, C.O.D., and a never-say-die attitude at the catch point.
Potential WR2
81
Chris Conley
6’2”
213
Georgia
77.2
76.5
4.35
4.3
7.06
45
18
Conley is far more than a Combine Dandy. The UGA receiver is skilled with the fade and possesses wiry strength to win after the catch. A terrific young leader who his peers want to be around, Conley's best ball could be ahead of him.
Remember, Malcolm Brown also toiled in relative anonymity at UGA due to the run-based scheme and injuries.
Timing, Vertical, Red zone, Zone, Man
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
82
Emanuel Hall
6'2"
201
Missouri
77.05
68.5
4.39
N/A
N/A
43.5
15
Graceful deep threat who could grow into more if he works hard and overcomes drops.
Potential WR2 or deep threat specialist.
83
Sammie Coates
6’1”
212
Auburn
77
93
4.43
4.06
6.98
41
23
Coates' greatest flaw is his difficulty tracking specific types of vertical passes. This will be hard to correct.
Even so, Coates has that combo of function strength, speed, and quickness that approaches Kevin White's. Even if he never reaches his potential, he'll be a weapon.
Timing, Vertical, Red zone, Zone, Man, Special Teams
84
Jake Wieneke
6'4"
221
South Dakota St.
77
79.5
4.67
4.37
6.95
36
10
Strong receiver above the rim with possibly limitations outside the red zone.
Red Zone Package w/WR2 potential
85
Antoine Wesley
6'4"
206
Texas Tech
76.75
83
N/A
4.26
7.07
N/A
N/A
Quick enough and flashes ball impressive ball skills and release work. Consistency needed.
Potential WR2, slot, or red zone specialist.
86
Greg Dortch
5'7"
173
Wake Forest
76.65
75.5
4.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Tough big-play slot weapon that is still learning the position.
Special Teams/Slot
87
Daurice Fountain
6'2"
208
Northern Iowa
76.55
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Good athlete with details to refine.
WR5 and PR/KR
88
Andy Isabella
5'9"
188
Umass
76.5
77.5
N/A
4.15
6.95
36.5
15
Speedy slot receiver with slick moves, but must reserve dancing for the club.
Special Teams/Slot
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
89
Rashard Higgins
6'1"
196
Colorado St.
76.45
86.5
4.64
N/A
N/A
32
13
If Higgins can improve his speed and quickness, he has the hands, the budding route skills, and understanding of the game to become a good NFL starter.
Man, Zone, Timing, Red Zone
90
Carlos Henderson
5'11"
199
LaTech
76.45
80.5
4.46
4.35
7.18
36
13
Henderson is a favorite sleeper among the draft media. He can catch and run well. He could help a team early in a narrow, focused role, but he'll need time to become a complete option.
Perimeter, slot, return threat with WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, and vertical.
91
KD Cannon
5'11"
182
Baylor
76.4
73.5
4.41
N/A
N/A
37
13
Cannon is a like a box of chocolates. If he can overcome his maddening inconsistency in every key area of his position, he could be a star.
Depending on the game, he looks like one.
Big-play perimeter threat with high-WR2 upside in all areas.
92
Dillon Mitchell
6'1"
197
Oregon
76.35
84
4.46
4.29
N/A
N/A
N/A
If he fixes the addressable issues with his hands, he's a future starter. If not, he's a tease with dynamic playmaking potential.
Special teams/Flanker with boom- bust starter upside
93
Juwann Winfree
6'1"
210
Colorado
76.35
78
4.50
4.26
6.97
33.0
16
A worker bee route runner with reliable hands who continues getting better every year. Better athlete than many realize.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
94
Stacy Coley
6'0"
195
Miami
76.25
84
4.45
N/A
N/A
34
10
Coley is a good college receiver with the baseline skills to become a good pro. But there are a lot of skills he has to raise from good-to-great to transcend J.A.G. status.
Perimeter threat with low-WR2 upside in man, timing, zone, and vertical.
95
Chad Williams
6'2"
195
Grambling
76.15
59.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A lot like Malone and Etta-Tawo, but a better hands catcher and a lower profile program.
WR2 upside on perimeter in all areas.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
96
Elijah Marks
6'0"
185
N. Arizona
76.1
69
4.55
N/A
6.9
36.5
N/A
Quick receiver with aerial acrobatics and after catch skill.
PR/KR
97
Steven Mitchell, Jr.
5'10"
189
USC
75.45
65.5
4.56
4.4
6.75
32.5
13
Quick, tough, option with laundry list of injuries. Skilled but long shot.
Slot
98
Samajie Grant
5'9"
173
Arizona
75.4
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The most intriguing player I've studied, I doubt he'll be seen as anything more than a UDFA slot candidate. But if a team shows more imagination, he could surprise.
Slot, RB, KR with WR3 upside in man, timing, vertical, zone, and red zone.
99
Amba Etta-Tawo
6'1"
208
Syracuse
75.25
71.5
4.49
4.32
6.95
31
14
Etta-Tawo is speedy and withstands physical play. He also needs significant work with routes and hand usage as a receiver. Solid developmental prospect.
Low-end WR2 upside on perimeter in man, timing, zone, and vertical.
100
Braxton Berrios
5'9"
184
Miami
75.15
71
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11
A slot player who earned some vertical shots. Fit is a big factor.
Slot
101
Josh Malone
6'3"
208
Tennessee
75.05
64
4.4
4.19
7.05
30.5
10
Malone's size, athletic profile, SEC background, and the hope that his QB limited his upside all make him an Internet fave. Worthwhile developmental prospect.
WR2 upside on perimeter in all areas.
102
Shawn Poindexter
6'4"
212
Arizona
74.75
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Long, tall reserve with growth potential.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
103
Cam Phillips
6'0"
201
Virginia Tech
74.65
77.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Physical player with limited burst.
WR 5 with Slot Upside.
104
Geronimo Allison
6'3"
196
Illinois
74.55
78.5
4.67
4.28
7.4
33
N/A
A smooth, fluid receiver who wins on the perimeter. The more he can build on his strengths as a route runner, the more he can contribute on the field.
Zone, Man, Red Zone
105
Felton Davis III
6'3"
211
Michigan St.
74.55
74.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Big slot option who steals the ball like a lunchroom bully.
WR3-WR4
with slot potential.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
106
Marquez Valdes- Scantling
6'4"
206
USF
74.45
47
4.37
N/A
N/A
30.5
15
Developmental project with excellent speed and good hands.
WR5 with longshot WR1 upside.
107
Mecole Hardman
5'11"
183
UGA
74.35
75
4.33
N/A
N/A
36.5
17
Big-play slot weapon who didn't run a lot of slot routes. Excellent return specialist.
Special Teams/Slot
108
Marquez North
6'2"
223
Tennessee
74.2
66.5
4.48
4.13
6.9
35
17
There's only one question with North: Will he seek the help of vets and work on his own to develop his vast potential? If the answer is yes, the hands, the power, and the explosive skill are top shelf.
Zone, Red Zone, Return Specialist, Special Teams
109
Terry McLaurin
6'1"
205
Ohio State
73.95
79.5
4.35
4.15
7.01
N/A
N/A
Fast-rising reserve who impressed at the Senior Bowl but has flaws as a pass catcher.
Special teams/Flanker with boom- bust starter upside
110
Cody Thompson
6'2"
200
Toledo
73.85
84.5
4.57
4.03
6.87
N/A
N/A
Quick slot receiver with highs and lows as a pass catcher and a strong special teams resume.
Special Teams/Slot
111
Simmie Cobbs, Jr.
6'3"
220
Indiana
73.85
81
4.64
4.32
6.7
30
11
If he tweaks releases and hands, he'll contribute in packages. Maybe develop into more.
WR5 with eventual WR2 upside.
112
Anthony Johnson
6'2"
209
Buffalo
73.85
80.5
N/A
N/A
7.12
N/A
N/A
A tough and savvy possession receiver who comes up a little short as a potential NFL starter.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
113
Xavier Ubosi
6'2"
215
UAB
73.7
65
4.5
N/A
N/A
33.5
14
Raw, athletic option with decent hands and a deep game.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
114
Roger Lewis
6'0'
201
Bowling Green
73.65
79.5
4.57
N/A
N/A
33.5
8
Lewis is a smart playmaker who maximizes his athletic skill to get deep. He's not a top athlete by pro standards, but if he builds on his route running, he could start as a worthy complement to a freakish primary threat.
Man, Zone, Timing, Special Teams
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
115
Keelan Doss
6'2"
211
UC Davis
73.65
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
Physical at the catch point with some but limited growth potential.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
116
Darius Slayton
6'1"
190
Auburn
73.4
73
4.39
4.15
7
40.5
N/A
WR1 physical skills but inconsistent at everthing.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
117
Jamal Custis
6'4"
214
Syracuse
73.35
69
4.50
N/A
N/A
34.5
N/A
Hands are up and down.
WR3-WR4
with WR2 potential
118
Ricky Seals-Jones
6'5"
243
Texas A&M
73.3
72.5
4.69
4.33
7.46
28
17
His play is a mix of big slot receiver, H-Back, and downfield possession threat, but he will have a difficult time finding a match to maximize his skills.
Slot, H-Back, TE with WR3 upside in zone and red zone.
119
Austin Proehl
5'10"
185
North Carolina
73.25
63
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Slot option with shoulder injury in 2017. Son of former slot option.
Slot
120
Jakobi Meyers
6'2"
203
NC State
73.25
77.5
4.63
4.23
7.07
N/A
N/A
A converted QB with an admirable slot game who could overachieve in the slot.
Special Teams/Slot
121
Robby Anderson
6'3"
175
Temple
73.05
82
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The greatest concern with Anderson is his weight. If he can get within range of 190 pounds and maintain or improve his explosive athletic ability, the basic skills are there to develop.
Zone, Timing
122
Kenneth Walker III
5'10"
190
UCLA
73.05
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
If there's a late bloomer in this class, Walker is my top candidate. He has improved his route running and hands tremendously, but it hasn't completely translated to the field. If he continues working, there's a chance for him to become an offensive contributor, not just a return specialist.
PR/KR,
perimeter receiver with WR2 upside in all areas.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
123
Alonzo Moore
6'2"
195
Nebraska
73.05
65.5
4.43
N/A
N/A
N/A
32
Fast, fluid, and not very productive in a Nebraska offense with a quarterback trying to make the NFL as a receiver, returner, or anything other than quarterback.
WR4 upside in all areas, but red zone.
124
Nelson Spruce
6'1"
206
Colorado
72.95
87
4.69
4.2
7.09
35
12
Burst, sure-handed receiving, and skill in tight quarters make Spruce a prospect worth watching. If he can build on his burst, he could develop into a short and intermediate threat in multiple WR sets.
Man, Zone, Red Zone, Slot, Special Teams
125
Gehrig Dieter
6'2"
210
Alabama
72.9
67.5
4.58
N/A
N/A
32.5
15
Dieter handles press coverage well and wins downfield. His gamble to transfer to Alabama and star on a bigger stage didn't pay off, but no shame being stuck behind Stewart, Calvin Ridley and OJ Howard.
Sleeper.
WR2 upside on perimeter in all areas.
126
Davon Grayson
6'1"
199
ECU
72.85
79.5
4.51
N/A
N/A
34.5
19
Quick, fluid receiver with good hands but needs to get more physical. Longshot upside.
Practice squad
127
Jehu Chesson
6'3"
207
Michigan
72.85
68.5
4.47
4.09
6.7
35.5
10
Good special teams player who can rush and cover punts. He's also a solid developmental receiver who could grow up fast if he improves his hands.
WR2 upside on perimeter in all areas.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
128
Jazz Ferguson
6'5"
227
Northwestern St.
72.55
89
4.45
4.59
7.25
37.0
8
Big, strong, fast, and tracks the ball well, Ferguson has growth potential.
WR4-WR5
with WR2 potential
129
Tim Patrick
6'5"
210
Utah
72.5
66.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Patrick is a tough competitor with good height and hands. I fear he's hit his ceiling as a route runner and athlete.
WR4 upside in zone, red zone, and limited vertical
130
Olabisi Johnson
6'0"
203
Colorado State
72.35
65.5
N/A
4.16
6.88
38.0
14
Metrics don't show up as much on tape, but he has some potential to develop into a contributor.
WR4-WR5
with WR2 potential
131
David Sills V
6'3"
211
West Virginia
72.3
73
4.57
4.28
6.97
N/A
N/A
A finesse player who benefitted from a top quarterback.
WR4-WR5
with WR2 potential
132
Trent Taylor
5'8"
181
Louisiana Tech
72.2
82.5
4.63
4.01
6.74
33
13
Overshadowed by a lot of exciting athletes in this class who could play the slot, Taylor is a reliable, tough but small option. A good fit could raise his profile significantly.
WR3 upside in slot.
133
Jovon Durante
5'11"
160
FAU
72.15
78
4.55
4.31
7.00
31.5
N/A
The T.Y. Hilton "Reserve" Model.
Special Teams
134
Anthony Ratliff- Williams
6'1"
205
UNC
71.95
75.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Wins jump balls and a skilled open- field runner, but unrefined technician at the position.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
135
Johnnie Dixon
5"10"
201
Ohio State
71.95
61
4.41
4.43
N/A
37.5
16
Great speed + achy knees = one- dimensional.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
139
DaMarkus Lodge
6'2"
204
Ole Miss
71.55
68.5
N/A
4.53
7.06
N/A
N/A
Worked deep at Ole Miss but that won't work in the NFL.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
137
Diontae Johnson
5'10"
183
Toledo
71.15
67
N/A
4.45
7.09
33.5
15
Inconsistent big-play threat.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
138
Billy Brown
6'4"
255
Shepherd
70.05
74.5
4.7
N/A
N/A
29
23
Brown added 15 pounds during the offseason to try out for the NFL as a tight end. Physical, sure-handed but limited route runner.
TE
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
139
Trevon Brown
6'2"
215
ECU
69.85
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Slow big-play theat at the college level. See Damarkus Lodge.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
140
Jamarius Way
6'4"
220
South Alabama
69.85
75.5
4.63
4.66
N/A
N/A
N/A
See above.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
141
Travin Dural
6'1"
202
LSU
69.85
68
4.57
4.55
7.29
30.5
N/A
Dural is J.A.G. with potential to transcend the label, but he'll have to become a GREAT route runner.
WR2 upside on perimeter in all areas.
142
Trenton Irwin
6'2"
204
Stanford
69.75
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Special teams option with some possession skills.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
143
Kendall Sanders
6'0"
195
Arkansas St.
69.75
65.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sanders has flashy skills with the ball in the air. If he can stick as a special team option, he could develop into a contributor on offense.
KR/PR with WR 4 upside in man, zone, red zone, and vertical.
144
KeeSean Johnson
6'1"
201
Fresno State
69.7
78
N/A
4.23
7.28
30.0
14
Developmental possession player.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
145
Antonio Callaway
5'11"
200
Florida
69.55
69.5
4.41
N/A
N/A
34
N/A
Big-play space threat with good hands, mature vision, elusiveness, and balance. Knee, maturity are concerns.
PR/KR and potential satellite packages.
146
Damore'ea Stringfellow
6'2"
211
Ole Miss
69.5
66.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A low-ceiling option that will need a specific fit to have a chance at significant production.
Big slot with WR4 upside in slot.
147
Nyqwan Murray
5'10"
191
Florida State
68.15
66.5
4.63
4.40
7.20
N/A
N/A
Developmental slot.
WR4-
WR5/Special Teams
148
Jaydon Mickens
5'11"
171
Washington
68
76
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
If Mickens can develop skills to release from the line against press coverage and straighten out some technique flaws with his hands, he could surprise a team as big-play slot receiver who can also do work outside.
Slot, Man, Vertical, Zone, Return Specialist
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
149
Chris Moore
6'1"
206
Cincinnati
67.55
55.5
4.53
4.2
6.76
37
10
He's a straight-line deep threat with potential to develop into a complete receiver. He’s adept at what he does well but needs to develop a well- rounded game.
Zone, Man
150
Greg Campbell, Jr.
6'1"
185
UTSA
66.95
75.5
A quick possession receiver.
Man, Zone
151
Dredrick Snelson
6'0"
206
UCF
66.9
76.5
A possession receiver lacking a vertical game.
Zone
152
D'haquille Williams
6'2"
229
Auburn
66.6
86.5
4.72
4.47
7.43
30
14
Williams has a fine catch radius and a physical nature. He also displays little craft at his game and his athletic profile isn't explosive enough to support a playground mentality in a professional environment.
Zone, Red Zone, Slot
153
Gabe Marks
5'11"
189
Washington St.
66.45
67.5
4.56
4.2
7.01
29.5
11
A quick, shifty receiver who has a higher ceiling than several ahead of him on this list.
WR4 upside in man, timing, and zone.
154
Marcus Kemp
6'4"
200
Hawaii
66.25
79
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
If Kemp can improve his routes and refine certain issues with his hands, he might challenge for a roster spot.
WR5 upside.
155
Terren Encalade
6'0"
190
Tulane
66.05
64.5
A possession player with some speed to stretch the field with the
help of play-action.
Zone
156
Devin Fuller
6'1"
200
UCLA
65.9
79
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Fuller is a lot like Cooper, but without the same notoriety. Both are raw players that have the basic skills to build on.
Zone, Return Specialist
157
Mack Hollins
6'4
221
North Carolina
65.85
67
4.53
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Hollins is a good special teams option with the athletic profile of an offensive contributor. He has improvable issues with his routes and hands. Worth monitoring.
Special teams with short- term WR4 upside, more long-term.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
158
Robert Davis
6'3"
219
Georgia St
65.75
66
4.44
4.28
6.82
41
19
Davis is a high-ceiling prospect. If he works hard on his footwork as a route runner and ball carrier, it could unlock his game.
Boom-bust high-end WR2 upside.
159
Chris Brown
6'2"
194
Notre Dame
65.75
58
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A quick player with good, but inconsistent hands, Brown has to slow his mental process down so he's not playing too fast for his body to keep up.
Zone, Return Specialist
160
Papi White
5'9"
177
Ohio
65.6
77.5
Special Teams
161
Teldrick Morgan
6'1"
190
New Mexico St/Maryland
65.55
62.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A savvy slot option that can get the best of better athletes. Has a chance thanks to special team’s skill.
Reserve slot, special teams.
162
Bralon Addison
5'9"
197
Oregon
65.5
54.5
4.66
4.14
6.95
34.5
13
Addison and Jalin Marshall have a lot of similarities. Marshall shows more as a runner and downfield receiver against tight coverage.
Zone, Return Specialist, Slot
163
Jeff Badet
6'0"
178
Oklahoma
65.2
61.5
4.27
N/A
7.19
39.5
16
Blazing fast return specialist and deep threat.
Special Teams Vertical role player
164
Derrick Griffin
6'7"
240
Texas Southern
64.6
54.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Griffin could easily be in the Top 25, but I didn't see enough tape to solidify consistency of pivotal skills.
Monitor closely.
Boom-bust WR1 upside in man, zone, vertical, and red zone.
165
John Ursua
5'10"
175
Hawaii
64.4
71
166
Tre’Quan Smith
6'2"
203
UCF
63.95
62.5
4.49
4.5
6.97
37.5
12
Physical player but raw.
Practice squad
167
Shun Brown
5'10"
188
Arizona
62.95
56.5
168
Grant Perry
5'10"
185
Michigan
62.75
76.5
4.68
169
Ray-Ray McCloud
5'9"
190
Clemson
62.35
64.5
4.53
N/A
N/A
34.5
13
Excellent runner with role player profile.
PR/KR and potential satellite packages.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Talent
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
Role
170
Malik Earl
6'3"
217
Missouri State
62.2
67
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Fluid receiver with good size but raw as a route runner.
UDFA
171
Scott Miller
5'10"
160
Bowling Green
62.15
73
172
Matt VandeBerg
6'1"
195
Iowa
61.95
64.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Slot option with quick-twitch ability.
UDFA
173
Malcolm Williams
5'10"
190
Coastal Carolina
61.45
60
174
Tony Pollard
6'0"
208
Memphis
61.25
62
Special
Teams, RB, Slot
175
Ryan Davis
5'9"
185
Auburn
60.65
72.5
4.23
7.09
35.0
12
176
A.J. Richardson
6'0"
212
Boise State
59.45
61
177
Ron'quavion Tarver
6'3"
210
Utah State
59.15
58
178
Terry Godwin
5'11"
185
Georgia
58.55
64
4.55
6.96
36.5
179
James Gardner
6'4"
216
Miami, Oh.
58.2
56
180
Deondre Douglas
6'1"
202
Troy
56.65
67.5
181
Quintez Cephus
6'1"
207
Wisconsin
56.55
50
182
Jaylen Smith
6'4"
219
Louisville
52.55
63
4.47
4.48
7.55
183
Damion Willis
6'3"
204
Troy
50.2
56
4.48
7
184
Gary Jennings, Jr.
6'1"
215
West Virginia
49.45
49.5
4.15
7.32
37.0
20
Multiple Grier games watched with dropped passes unforced errors
185
Justin McInnis
6'6"
206
Arkansas St.
49.4
56.5
Post
186
Traveon Samuel
5'7"
175
Troy
46.25
57.5
Special Teams
187
Jon'Vea Johnson
6'0"
188
Toledo
45.3
52.5
188
Tyron Johnson
6'1"
193
Oklahoma St.
40.25
45
4.34
30.0
16
189
Jalen Guyton
6'1"
202
North Texas
39.25
43.5
Tight Ends
Overview and Fantasy Impact of the Position Skill Breakdowns
Overrated and Underrated Projects
The Fantasy 20 Ranking and Comparisons 2017-2019 RSP Rankings
Scouting Checklists and Profiles
Overview and Fantasy Impact of the TE Position
Last year, I wrote the 2018 tight end class would disappoint in comparison to the 2017 tight end class. I stated the 2017 class was an anomaly because there were eight players capable of becoming strong NFL starters at the top of the board.
O.J. Howard, David Njoku, and Evan Engram have displayed moments—if not weeks—of excellence as they continue along their development paths. Gerald Everett and Adam Shaheen have shown promise in more isolated moments of playing time. And Jeremy Sprinkle, Michael Roberts, and Eric Saubert each hold promise as reserves with potentially more growth ahead.
It’s one of the most talented groups I’ve evaluated at the position. However, the 2019 tight end class has me thinking the 2017 class wasn’t so unique after all. The top four talents in this year’s classwould displace four of the 2017’s top five players. O.J. Howard—the RSP’s No.1 option in 2017—would rank No.5 and be the only 2017 player good enough to crack this season’s top five.
Remember, as dominant an athlete as Howard is, his evaluation included legitimate questions about his hands and experience as a primary receiver in terms of target types and routes. The top four from the 2019 class have fewer question marks and strong athletic ability—even if not as athletic as Howard.
I evaluated 24 tight ends for this year’s publication. Of the 20 profiled in detail in this chapter, 9 have a legitimate shot of developing into productive focal points of the passing game as starters or productive contributors. As a point of comparison, the RSP estimated the 2017 class would have 10 tight ends developing along these lines.
There are seven more with a realistic chance of developing into No.2 tight ends on depth charts—half of them also possess upside as productive contributors. That’s 16 of the 20 profiled this year with consequential upside.
Still, the best total to remember is the nine with the upside to produce in at least a contributing role. While talent is the driving reason for the class being a compelling one, steady diversification of NFL schemes is also a factor that expands the possibilities for players who otherwise wouldn’t earn as much value.
The best teams in the NFL are finding ways to mold scheme to talent rather than the old-school, ego-driven approach of talent to scheme. When the latter happens, players with higher ceilings as traditional, in-line tight ends are asked to play three different positions. Few players with that traditional in-line tight end profile have the unique combination of talents to become a competent in-line tight end, fullback on the wing, and slot receiver.
College programs can run these schemes and win because athletic dominance is a larger factor on Saturdays than it is on Sundays. All NFL teams have top athletes, but not all have a cross-section of refined skill at every position.
When college tight ends arrive in the NFL, they lack the depth of developed skill as in-line tight ends, or they’ll never have the athletic ability of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski to dominate at a variety of positions. New England has been searching for this kind of duo since Hernandez went to jail and nearly had it with Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett before injuries forced the Patriots to abandon the scheme.
The difficulty with assessing the tight end position is not only the variable of scheme fit but the learning curve. Other than quarterback, tight end has the most difficult learning curve of any position on the football field. The top players at the position can block at the line and in space, run routes against man and zone within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage, and run after the catch. Few tight ends meet all of these demands, which is one of the reasons NFL teams usually select a steady number at the position every year—and sign even more undrafted free agents.
Even if a fantasy owner or draftnik doesn’t have immediate interest in a tight end class, they would benefit from a patient mindset about the position. Three years ago, there were fantasy analysts concluding that perhaps Travis Kelce was never as good of a prospect as draft analysts like myself and Dane Brugler touted him to be. Kelce was a terrific all-around option, but the learning curve coupled with the advanced demands of the position takes time.
The RSP also examines the tight end position differently than traditional draft guides because some prospects are valued for their potential in the passing game and those valued for their potential at the line of scrimmage. Some players have skills that intersect both needs, but most are closer to one end of the spectrum than the other.
While the RSP is a football publication, it also caters to fantasy football. As a result, it has always shaped its grading scale to value receivers who can block ahead of blockers who can catch. A prospect like Drew Sample is a blocker who can catch.
He’s a better blocker than Josh Oliver, Isaac Nauta, and Noah Fant may ever become. However, this trio has a lot more promise as receivers. They also have the potential to develop into competent blockers if given specific roles that aren’t typical of traditional in-line tight ends. I made the same point last year with Ryan Izzo versus Tyler Conklin, Jaylen Samuels, and Chris Herndon. All three were drafted ahead of Izzo.
I estimated that the NFL would draft 16-20 tight ends in 2018. This has been an overestimation of the NFL’s valuation of late-round options. Taking this into account, the 2019 class will see between 13-17 of its tight ends earn a draft pick. The class has strong depth of talent, including a few appealing options with developmental upside, but 5-6 of these players with contributor and reserve grades will likely earn phone calls after the draft is over.
Rookie Productivity – A Historical Perspective
Tight end remains the most difficult position to generate an immediate impact in the box score. This perspective is a broken record that has spanned over half a century. Tight ends are in high demand, but the fantasy impact of rookies at the position is modest.
Evan Engram’s 2017 season with 64 catches, 722 yards, and 6 touchdowns was one of the best rookie campaigns we’ve seen from a tight end. As promising as the 2017 class is, it still didn’t make an immediate historical impact.
Last year’s crop of rookies had two options that earned over 500 yards receiving: Third-round pick Mark Andrews (522) and fourth-round pick Chris Herndon (502). No rookie at the position earned more than four touchdowns.
There’s a valid argument the most talented tight end in the 2018 class—Dallas Goedert—worked in the shadow of a Pro- Bowl player. Goedert earned 334 yards and 4 touchdowns as a supporting player.
The 2019 class has excellent talent, but as we saw with Goedert, Andrews, and Herndon, landing spot matters greatly. Andrews and Herndon are worthwhile players but they benefitted from playing with a pair of teams in rebuilding mode.
These player stories, as well as other past cases, illustrate that opportunity precedes talent when it comes to production. Although prospects like T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant, and Irv Smith, Jr. will be atop most NFL boards, with the talent to produce immediately, if they’re drafted to teams with an established, productive starter, it’s more likely that mid-tier talents with a greater opportunity could earn the most production as rookies. Foster Moreau, Kaden Smith, and Trevon Wesco are potential prospects that may fit this characterization.
The Top 15 Rookie Performances By Rookie Tight Ends In PPR Leagues
Yr
Last
First
Team
G
Rec
Rec Yds
Rec Tds
PPR Fpts
1961
Ditka
Mike
chi
14
56
1076
12
235.6
1988
Jackson
Keith
phi
16
81
869
6
203.9
1973
Young
Charlie
phi
14
55
854
6
176.4
2002
Shockey
Jeremy
nyg
15
74
894
2
175.4
2017
Engram
Evan
nyg
15
64
722
6
173.6
1980
Miller
Junior
atl
16
46
584
9
158.4
1998
Cleeland
Cameron
nor
16
54
684
6
158.4
2010
Gronkowski
Rob
nwe
16
42
546
10
156.6
1963
Mackey
John
clt
14
35
726
7
149.6
2008
Carlson
John
sea
16
55
627
5
147.7
1970
Chester
Raymond
rai
14
42
556
7
139.6
1950
Polsfoot
Fran
crd
12
38
653
6
139.3
2010
Hernandez
Aaron
nwe
14
45
563
6
137.3
2016
Henry
Hunter
SD
15
36
482
8
132.2
1987
Awalt
Rob
crd
12
42
526
6
130.6
The five players in bold made this list during the past decade. Three had performances that put them in the top 10.
It remains an annual tradition to inform you that Mike Ditka remains the standard bearer for rookie tight end productivity. His 56 catches, 1,076 yards, and 12 touchdowns remains the benchmark. With the current offensive climate of the league and the caliber of athletes at the position, Ditka’s mark could fall any year.
However, it will require a rookie to earn top-three production at the position to have a chance. Engram was fifth among 2017 tight ends and one could argue that his high volume was the product of a Giants receiving corps that lost its starters to injury.
The top rookie producers in 2018—Herndon (113.2) and Andrews (107.2) didn’t make the list.
Avg TE Productivity x Round 2006-2018
Minimum of 30 Catches Minimum of 45 Catches
Round
Players
G
Rec
Yds
Tds
Round 1
8
14.6
44.6
483.8
3.4
Round 2
8
15.1
40.4
440.1
4.7
Round 3
5
14.0
40.0
492.6
3.4
Round 4
3
14
39.3
472.3
5
Round 5
1
15
43
515
2
Round 6
1
16
38
407
4
Round 7
0
0
0
0
0
Round
Players
G
Rec
Yds
Tds
Round 1
4
15.5
54.3
575.5
4.3
Round 2
1
16.0
55.0
627.0
5.0
Round 3
2
12.0
46.0
527.5
3.0
Round 4
1
14.0
45.0
563.0
6.0
Round 5
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Round 6
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Round 7
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Even the best prospects with immediate opportunities to see the field haven’t produced at an elite level. This small data set is by no means conclusive, but it paints a picture of the past 13 seasons. Quality rookie tight end production isn’t at the same standard as quality starting tight end production.
At the same time, there is production from rookie classes that can help a fantasy owner during a season, and it isn’t something exclusive to first-round picks at the position in the NFL Draft.
Productivity is about opportunity, in addition to matching the talent with the scheme. The best advice I can give you is not to count on rookie tight ends to produce at a top-12 level at the position—they are investments for the future.
Travis Kelce and Jordan Reed were excellent prospects, but it took them more than a year to develop into promising fantasy starters. Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski are rare, and it has much to do with the quarterbacks and coaches they were paired with at the beginning of their careers.
Most teams require tight ends to block at the line of scrimmage. Gronkowski was the rare case of a competent in-line rookie tight end, and the Saints essentially used Graham as a wide receiver even when he was in a three-point stance at the line of scrimmage. Hunter Henry benefited as an H-Back who was often schemed open with misdirection.
O.J. Howard, David Njoku, and George Kittle were productive rookies, but their seasons wouldn’t have made the historical list if I expanded it from 15 to 30. Both had much-improved production after spending a year in the league and an off- season of training.
Tight ends are patience plays and many fantasy owners lose their patience and will allow you to acquire them a season or two later for less than an early- or mid-round rookie pick.
This year, there are five tight ends with the skills to deliver production similar to Hunter Henry in 2016. If there’s a perfect storm of scheme fit and injuries that require it, they’re capable of upside similar to Evan Engram’s rookie production.
There are 3-4 others in this class who could author Henry’s rookie numbers but it would be a significant shock to even those who value their talents. There are a mix of mid- and late-round picks and possibly an undrafted free agent or two who might be available during your post-draft waiver runs.
If your league awards a 1.5 PPR premium for tight ends, the top three talents on the RSP’s board are worth top-12 picks and fourth-ranked prospect is a top-20 option.
About 2019’s Tight End Rankings
The RSP now has two grading scales: Depth of Talent and Breadth of Talent. The traditional checklist that has been around since the RSP began remains in place. It measures the number of things that a player can do at his position – his Breadth of Talent
The RSP’s Skill Breakdowns have evolved into a measure of how well a player can perform those skills according to defined tiers of performance expectations – his Depth of Talent. Weights have been assigned to the tiers and like the checklist, there is a total score.
The checklist score is the Breadth of Talent Score, while the Skill Breakdowns generate the Depth of Talent Score. The RSP will be using the Depth of Talent Score to build its player rankings.
Because the Depth of Talent Score awards small bonuses to players who show potential for development in specific areas, the RSP will also provide a table that ranks players without the projection bonuses. This third table will provide readers additional context about where I see these players now and what I foresee from them in the future.
This analysis is performed with a grading system with defined criteria (see the Glossary), play-by-play observation, a player’s realistic development potential, and measurement of his physical skills.
How I Create My Rankings And the Difference Between Pre-Draft And Post-Draft Rankings
In addition to its utility for fantasy football, rankings are a helpful exercise for any evaluator or draftnik. Describing my rankings process should also provide additional insight and usefulness to the fantasy owner. I want my readers to see some of the nuance behind the ranking of a player.
Rankings Creation
The first step is watching football. I watch hundreds of games each year—recorded broadcasts, cutups produced by DraftBreakdown.com, and individual cutups produced on YouTube—and grade players one session at a time.
I try to grade a player at least twice, but what’s more important to me than the number of games is the amount of touches, attempts, or targets that I can see in a game. I’m seeking the greatest variety of scenarios that the player has experienced.
While it will always remain a work in progress—that’s the nature of process improvement—there are years of work behind the RSP grading system. I don’t have to think as hard about how I grade a player, because the process is defined well enough for me to follow it without questioning it all the time. The questions I do have come about as an organic part of the process and they’re helpful in making the RSP a better publication.
I used to take notes on close to 100 percent of the plays that feature the prospect or where he has a contributing role. This often included down and distance information, time on the clock, offense and defense formation, and pre-snap adjustments on both sides of the ball. I then noted the actions of the player within the context of this information: technique, physical skill, and decision-making, including what could have been done better.
While a fantastic exercise for anyone who wants to learn more about the game, it has reached the point of diminishing
returns for me. I’ll continue transcribing games for future publications, because it’s a worthwhile exercise in maintaining a disciplined eye for the details of the grading system. However, I have decreased the frequency of transcriptions in 2019 and will be moving onto other methods of tracking observational data in the future.
I continue taking notes and scoring the checklists as I study the game that I use for the player profiles in each chapter. The overall grade on this checklist is what I call a Breadth of Talent Score.
The Breadth of Talent Score is an assessment of a player’s physical, mental, and technical skills that meet the baseline requirements of an NFL player at his position. The higher the score, the less fundamental work he has to do to meet the broad standards of the position’s requirements.
The Breadth of Talent Score has a “Yes/No” grade. The score does not indicate how well the player performs the criteria on the checklist. This is where the Skill Breakdown comes into play (see the next section for more information).
I place each player in tiers for each category of the Skill Breakdown report. All tiers are defined in a manner to differentiate levels of skill. I also note the ease and/or difficulty required to improve each facet of that player’s game. This exercise gives me insight into whether the player’s current depth of skill is at, above, or below the acceptable NFL baseline.
Each tier has an associated value—a weighted number. The sum of these tiers is the Depth of Talent Score. This grade is a reflection of how good that player is—and with a conservative, short-term projection of reasonable development—can become.
A player with a high Breadth of Talent Score is versatile in the sense that he performs a broad enough range of tasks at a fundamentally-sound level to appeal to a wide range of ways that teams define the position. A player with a high Depth of Talent Score at least does a subset of things at a high enough level that with the right team fit, he can become an asset.
Rankings are based on Depth of Talent, because I’d prefer the idea that teams understand themselves enough to pick players capable of fitting into their scheme. This is not always the case. Throughout the history of the league there have been many examples of glaring errors in judgment where teams overestimated a player’s breadth of talent because they admired his depth of talent in a specific subset of areas.
It’s difficult to assess how well a prospect will handle the transition to a professional environment without a formal interview, visit, and background investigation. In addition to the differences in competition, scrutiny, and pressure, the level of football strategy at the professional level is heightened. These players have a lot to learn.
Some players view this transition to the NFL as an opportunity to have fewer distractions from their development plan. Others find even more opportunities for distraction now that they are free from the constraints of the hourly schedule that universities impose on them.
The Difference Between Pre-Draft And Post-Draft Rankings
In most cases, I prefer the pre-draft rankings. They may lack the context of the NFL Draft, but they are the most pure assessment of talent I provide.
A player I rank in my top-12 at a position can be drafted as a reserve or even go undrafted, earn limited reps at the rear of the depth chart, get cut, and bounce around the league for two years before he lands on a team that recognizes his talent and gives him a real shot.
Tyler Kroft has been a career-reserve with the Bengals, but he performed well when Tyler Eifert endured back injuries. Now, Kroft is slated to be Buffalo’s starting tight end. Cameron Brate remains an integral part of the Buccaneers offense after working his way up the depth chart.
The Pre-Draft RSP rankings do not account for character or projected round. Players wil fall in the draft due to character concerns, but this will not change their talent rankings in the RSP. The NFL Draft is as much an exercise of risk management and investing as it is a talent assessment.
The pre-draft rankings are free of those biases and it makes this publication a worthwhile reference in future seasons. Players don’t figure it all out on the same timeline and they often find new homes, better scheme fits, and gain maturity on the second or third team they join.
As much as I favor the pre-draft process, post-draft rankings provide the clearest picture of the way teams see these players and the immediate opportunities they will earn. The post-draft rankings will account for the largest percentage of prospects and how their careers will play out.
However, the pre-draft rankings provide a safety net when the NFL over- or underestimates talent and fit. Not only does this happen more than you’d think, but it also gives the reader opportunity to capitalize on these exceptional cases.
Conventionality may prevent colossal failure, but exceptionality is the key to massive success. The rankings and information in each publication are designed to account for both dynamics as they unfold in football.
2019 RSP Skill Breakdowns and Stack Rankings for Tight Ends
The Rookie Scouting Portfolio checklists are designed to assess whether a player possesses a baseline physical skill or technique as defined in the glossary of the publication. What it does not do is differentiate how much or little of that technique each player has. Evan Engram and Cameron Brate can both threaten the deep seam, but the checklist “yes/no” doesn’t capture the degree of ability to stretch the field.
The skill breakdown reports are an avenue to explore these comparisons. The defining criteria for these breakdowns are in the glossary.
Improvement Spectrum or “Ease of Fix” for Tight End Skill Sets
This year, I am including my thoughts on a player’s potential to improve his skills within each category. It’s important to remember athletes often enter their prime in their mid-to-late twenties, which is attributable to a combination of increased physical, technical, and conceptual skill.
Separation and Routes
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Hands/Press
X
Feet/Press
X
Vertical Sep
X
Sideline
X
Route Depth
X
Works to QB
X
Breaks to ball
X
Hard Breaks
X
Zone
X
Tips off route
X
Sets Breaks
X
Shields defender
X
Receiving
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Head/Hands Up
X
Adjusts to Ball
X
Hands Away
X
Clean Catch
X
Back to QB
X
After Contact
X
Tight Coverage
X
Difficult Catches
X
Elusiveness
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Lower Jukes
X
Upper Jukes
X
Direct Shots
X
String Moves
X
Lateral Cuts
X
Security
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Correct Arm
X
Security
X
Hits
X
Balance
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Head-on
X
Indirect
X
Cuts
X
Blocking
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Diagnosis
X
Cut Blocks
X
Hand Tech.
X
Punch
X
Feet
X
Vision
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Decisions
X
Patience
X
Open Field
X
Power
Category
Easy Fixes
Medium
Hard Fixes
Arm Tackles
X
Stiff Arm
X
Pad Level
X
2nd Effort
X
“Ease of Fix”
The style of type used for each player’s name within a skill category indicates the prospect’s potential to improve within these skill sets:
Normal Type: Little to no change projected as this player transitions to the NFL.
Easy Fix: These skills can improve with ease to moderate ease if the player makes the effort.
Hard Fix: These skills typically take great effort to address, if possible to address at all.
Bad Habits: These players have bad habits they need to unlearn—a difficult transition, at best.
Underrated or Underrated: Underrated aspect of player’s game; underrated with more opportunity to improve.
For additional information on the details, refer to the glossary.
.
Skill Category Subheadings
The subheadings under each skill should be reasonably self-explanatory, but here’s a quick break-down:
Star Caliber: Rivals the best in the game at his position.
Starter Caliber: Commensurate with a full-time starter at his position.
Committee Caliber: A baseline level of skill for a player to contribute productively in an offense.
Reserve Caliber: Lacking something to consistently be productive, but good enough to contribute.
Free Agent: Lacking the minimum skill to make a team if evaluated strictly by this single component.
Deficient: Skill set is so lacking that it must improve to earn consideration if judging strictly by this component.
Weighted values are located at the bottom of each tier. Bonus points are 10 percent of the highest possible score. For example, if the highest possible weighted score for Separation is 9 points, the bonus allotment is 0.9 points. If a player’s performance in the separation category falls under “Reserve Caliber” he earns 3.6 points from the tier. If the player is noted as both an “easy fix” and “underrated-can improve,” the player will earn 1.8 bonus points.
Separation
The term encompasses the skills and techniques involved with gaining distance from an opponent assigned to coverage. Two contributing factors are speed and acceleration. Some tight ends possess the speed to get behind a defense even when the defenders are giving a cushion of 8-10 yards. Others are long-striders that build up speed. Then there are tight ends that aren’t particularly fast over a longer distance, but their initial quickness is so good that it catches faster defenders off guard and out of position. However, there are rarely players fast enough to get consistent separation by running in a straight line. The most important way to get consistent separation in the NFL is to win against press coverage. This involves a variety of techniques a tight end uses with his hands and feet to get into his route.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Separation
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Noah Fant
Alize Mack
Drew Sample
Andrew Beck
Caleb Wilson
Foster Moreau
C.J. Conrad
Dawson Knox
Jace Sternberger
Isaac Nauta
Dax Raymond
Kaden Smith
Matt Sokol
Irv Smith, Jr.
Kahale Warring
Micky Crum
Josh Oliver
Keenen Brown
Tyler Petite
T.J. Hockenson
Kendall Blanton
Tommy Sweeney
Trevon Wesco
Zach Gentry
9 7.2 5.4 3.6 1.8 0
(Separation) The Best: Fant has a variety of successful moves in his arsenal, including swims, chops, rips, and shoulder reductions from contact at the line of scrimmage or during his stem. He has to work on more elaborate footwork but most of the time his hands, quick-release footwork, and acceleration gets him downfield.
Fant wins outside, from the slot, and as a wing back. He’s also shown the ability to stack his opponents on vertical routes, creating position to dictate terms to the coverage. Because he was paired with Hockenson at the line of scrimmage, he’ll be tested more often as an in-line receiver on Sundays. Count on him to develop there, too.
Irv Smith, Jr. has an effective rip, swipe, chop, shake, and shoulder reduction in his arsenal of separation moves. He’s also skilled with three- and four-step releases. While just a step or two shy of possessing elite long speed, Smith is a refined tight end prospect whose ability to block and release from the line under the guise of setting up blocks is also helpful.
Hockenson has the best acceleration of these prospects and when marrying acceleration and change of direction quickness, and only Fant has a better tandem of score. Hockenson is also more physical and more refined with his footwork off the line. He possesses three- and four-step releases, a violent chop, rip, and swim.
Moreau lacks the same volume of moves as Fant, Smith, and Hockenson, but he has strong acceleration and he’s physical. He has a feel for creating space late in a route and he’s comfortable with physical contact and boxing out or rebounding over the top of opponents.
(Separation) Monitor: Warring is an excellent athlete with developmental potential to emerge as an NFL starter. While still learning the position after transitioning from water polo a few years ago, he has the speed and acceleration to work down field and the hands of a pro. Warring must develop a stronger vocabulary of hands techniques and footwork so he’s not leaning too much on 1-2 favorite moves that become predictable.
Wesco showed more technical refinement during Senior Bowl practices than he did on tape. He also displayed great acceleration and change of direction quickness as a route runner—earning separation a lot easier than many of his higher- profile peers at the event.
If Wesco’s long speed is any indication, he won’t earn much space on vertical routes unless he’s busting a zone. Still, he’s quick enough to earn separation on routes 15-20 yards past the line of scrimmage and with his back to the quarterback.
(Separation) The Worst: Nauta is the worst of the high-profile prospects. He’s a stiff athlete with more upper body refinement than his lower body. Nauta can chop his way past a defender and also stack in the vertical game. He must work on his hips and footwork to become nimbler. Otherwise, what he can do for an NFL team as a receiver will be limited to over routes, sail routes, crossing routes, and stop routes against zone defenders.
Routes
Running effective pass patterns requires precision and timing. It also takes awareness of how the defense and offense are reacting to each other before the snap. A great route runner with awareness of the game (Ozzie Newsome, Tony Gonzalez, Dave Casper, and Todd Christensen) can enjoy a very long career at the tight end position, because he relies less on speed than his peers to get the job done. Good route runners execute an assignment as if they are telling a story with believable details that are suspenseful to the defender.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Routes
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Caleb Wilson
Alize Mack
Andrew Beck
Irv Smith
Dawson Knox
C.J. Conrad
Jace Sternberger
Drew Sample
Dax Raymond
Noah Fant
Foster Moreau
Keenen Brown
T.J. Hockenson
Isaac Nauta
Matt Sokol
Josh Oliver
Micky Crum
Kaden Smith
Tommy Sweeney
Kahale Warring
Tyler Petite
Kendall Blanton
Zach Gentry
Trevon Wesco
34 27.5 20.7 13.9 6.8 0
The Best: Wilson lacks the classic athletic ability that projects well to the NFL because he doesn’t bend as well at the knees and doesn’t move as fluidly. However, he’s quick, fast, and he snaps his turns well as a route runner. He’s a skilled route runner in the shallow zones of the field and he has a knack for turning and positioning his body for the football in less conventional ways.
Irv Smith, Jr. has all of the physical tools of a skilled route runner. He can drop his hips to a sudden stop after threatening the vertical range of the field. He finds the soft spots of zone defenses and he can use pacing and movement with his chest, shoulders and head to manipulate opponents during his stem. Smith can get open in the short and intermediate game in the middle of the field and work the boundaries from the slot or in-line.
Hockenson has the best physical skills necessary for routes breaking back to the quarterback. It’s also the basis for his vertical routes because he can run believable double-moves. His timing with his footwork, manipulation of defenders during his stem, and hand and arm usage at the top of his stem are all efficient and productive.
Sternberger tells a good story with vertical routes. He can sell the companion route in the tree rather than the one he’s actually running. He can also run effective short routes and drop his weight into breaks.
Monitor: Warring, Knox, Wesco, and Oliver all possess the physical upside to become excellent route runners in specific ranges of the field. Warring, Knox, and Oliver have the quickness and speed to run the entire route tree. Wesco is a little more limited to the short and intermediate range. Warring must develop more savvy as a manipulator and Oliver must get more physical so he’s not rerouted.
Needs Improvement: Gentry has the size to win up the seam and post up his opponents. He must work on his stems so he can get opponents to bite on what he’s trying to sell. Most importantly, he has to become more consistent at flattening his speed breaks and executing hard breaks with greater suddenness.
Receiving
There are many possible things to lump under the category of receiving. For the sake of establishing clear criteria, the checklist format considers receiving:
The act of catching the football
The adjustments a player must make with the ball in the air
How consistently the player makes a reception despite the challenges he faces
Wide receivers and tight ends generally run more intricate routes and encounter more complex coverage than runners, so their checklists split routes from receiving skills. Strong technique becomes a heightened necessity in the NFL because of the higher velocity throws and tighter windows that receivers encounter in the pros.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Receiving
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Alize Mack
C.J. Conrad
Andrew Beck
Caleb Wilson
Drew Sample
Kendall Blanton
Dawson Knox
Keenen Brown
Matt Sokol
Dax Raymond
Trevon Wesco
Micky Crum
Foster Moreau
Zach Gentry
Tyler Petite
Irv Smith, Jr.
Isaac Nauta
Jace Sternberger
Josh Oliver
Kaden Smith
Kahale Warring
Noah Fant
T.J. Hockenson
Tommy Sweeney
21.5 17.2 12.9 8.6 4.3 0
(Receiving) The Best: Oliver and Mack have the strongest catch radiuses of this class. Their upper body flexibility to arch and turn to the ball—especially when the target arrives behind the break point of the route—sets them apart. Wilson lacks Oliver and Mack’s flexibility on the move, but he’s skilled at turning and extending for the ball from a fixed spot.
Knox, Warring, and Fant are good pass catchers who can get even better if they work hard on the consistency of their hand position. All three have moments where they fight the ball because they don’t have their hands in the optimal position for the target.
(Receiving) Needs Improvement: Moreau allows too many targets into his frame and it results in targets that are more difficult than they should be. Gentry has to become more adept at maintaining possession of the ball after he turns and
secures it to his frame. He’s susceptible to defenders knocking the ball loose after he already did the hard work.
Gentry also appears prone to streaky behavior. If he has a bad drop on one play, he appears prone to more drops. Don’t be surprised if Fant suffers through drops during various stages of his development. He can be too passive with his technique or use the incorrect technique for the target and fight the football.
(Receiving) The Worst: Sokol must learn to earn better position so targets can be caught without coverage earning a chance to make a play. He also has lapses of concentration where he tries to secure the ball without looking the pass completely into his frame.
Elusiveness
An elusive runner avoids contact. If a runner has sufficient agility to change direction and drive the opposing defender off- balance or avoid a direct hit, he possesses an adequate amount of elusiveness to his running style.
There are several techniques ball carriers use to avoid hits. Some runners have all the techniques in their arsenal and can keep defenders off-balance with an endless variety of moves, while others may only have a few effective moves in certain situations.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Elusiveness
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Dawson Knox
Alize Mack
Andrew Beck
Tyler Petite
Dax Raymond
Irv Smith, Jr.
C.J. Conrad
Drew Sample
Isaac Nauta
Caleb Wilson
Foster Moreau
Keenen Brown
Matt Sokol
Jace Sternberger
Kendall Blanton
Micky Crum
Josh Oliver
Zach Gentry
Tommy Sweeney
Kaden Smith
Kahale Warring
Noah Fant
T.J. Hockenson
Trevon Wesco
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
(Elusiveness) The Best: Fant’s quickness would place him in the star-caliber tier if his on-field work merited it. He doesn’t use his lateral agility and footwork to his athletic capabilities. He doesn’t win with east-west movements or stop-start movements in situations where it would help him earn separation as a ball carrier. Hockenson does a good job pivoting, turning, and bending his path away from pursuit. Although Fant is slightly quicker, Hockenson is more skilled at the actual tasks of ball-carrying and route-running that use elusiveness as a resource.
(Elusiveness) Needs Improvement: Nauta and Gentry have some lower-body mobility but need additional development to cultivating their mobility so they become more fluid benders as runners and route runners. They are limited in potential as receivers and blockers until they do.
(Elusiveness) The Worst: Of the prospects with viable shots at developing into consistent contributors, Wilson’s change of direction lags well behind his speed and acceleration. This hurts his potential to become a runner of intermediate timing routes that break back to the quarterback more than shallow routes with quick breaks or intermediate and vertical routes that have breaks with softer angles—posts, over routes, and sail routes.
Ball Handling
The category of Ball Handling incorporates a number of skills ranging from fundamental to highly advanced. A superb offensive skill player not only demonstrates the ability to protect the ball while being the target of 11 defenders, but he also possesses the techniques to avoid taking a hit to the ball in the first place.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Ball Handling
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Alize Mack
Caleb Wilson
Andrew Beck
Dawson Knox
C.J. Conrad
Drew Sample
Dax Raymond
Foster Moreau
Kahale Warring
Irv Smith, Jr.
Keenen Brown
Isaac Nauta
T.J. Hockenson
Jace Sternberger
Tommy Sweeney
Josh Oliver
Zach Gentry
Kaden Smith
Kendall Blanton
Matt Sokol
Micky Crum
Noah Fant
Trevon Wesco
Tyler Petite
6 4.8 3.6 2.4 1.2 0
(Ball Handling) The Best: Hockenson, Warring, Raymond, and Warring have the greatest potential to earn yards after the catch. All four use the correct arm and secure the ball effectively. This class has no egregious issues with ball security.
Balance
Balance is a core factor in effective ball carrying. It is the combination of good foot and body placement, agility, and awareness. A player with good balance can adjust to the force of a hard blow and stay up. Football players are trained to maintain their balance when facing most head-on collisions with a defender, but special players stay balanced when the direction or placement of the blow is difficult to anticipate or withstand.
Barry Sanders’ epic highlight reels are fun, but they are not the requirements for balance. The basic expectation is not to fall down when hit. Tight ends like George Kittle and O.J. Howard are dangerous runners after the catch because they run with excellent balance.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Balance
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Kahale Warring
Andrew Beck
Alize Mack
Keenen Brown
Dawson Knox
C.J. Conrad
T.J. Hockenson
Dax Raymond
Caleb Wilson
Tommy Sweeney
Drew Sample
Josh Oliver
Trevon Wesco
Foster Moreau
Zach Gentry
Irv Smith, Jr.
Isaac Nauta
Jace Sternberger
Kaden Smith
Kendall Blanton
Matt Sokol
Micky Crum
Noah Fant
Tyler Petite
3 2.4 1.8 1.2 0.6 0
(Balance) The Best: Hockenson and Wesco possess the most balanced strides as runners and they possess the best contact balance of the class. Warring isn’t far behind and as he develops his game may equal or surpass them.
(Balance) Monitor: Wilson, Oliver, and Mack have the pass-catching skills of starters but they lack competent contact balance. Each must work on widening their bases as runners.
Blocking
Skill players block for the run and pass on a limited basis, but their execution is essential for a play to work. A skill player’s attitude towards blocking may also epitomize the way they approach the game:
Courage
Teamwork
Understanding of technique
Understanding of the offense
Blocking is generally one of the key skills where even top prospects need the most refinement before they make the transition from college star to NFL starter. A good blocker sees the field much earlier than his peers with a similar level of talent in other facets of their game.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Blocking
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Dawson Knox
Alize Mack
Josh Oliver
Caleb Wilson
Drew Sample
Andrew Beck
Keenen Brown
C.J. Conrad
Irv Smith, Jr.
Dax Raymond
Kendall Blanton
Kaden Smith
Foster Moreau
Noah Fant
T.J. Hockenson
Isaac Nauta
Tyler Petite
Tommy Sweeney
Jace Sternberger
Trevon Wesco
Kahale Warring
Kendall Blanton
Matt Sokol
Micky Crum
Zach Gentry
10 8 6 4 2 0
(Blocking) The Best: Hockenson, Wesco, and Irv Smith, Jr. are the best blockers in this class. Hockenson can handle every level of defender and has an excellent mix of technique, strength, and explosion to execute every type of block in- line, on the wing, or from a receiver position.
Like Hockenson, Wesco has been an effective H-Back, but he also proved a valuable extension of the West Virginia offensive line. Former head coach Dana Holgerson told the media during a 2018 press conference that Wesco’s blocking was good enough that he was on the same level of the offensive linemen and that he could spend an entire press conference talking about what Wesco does well as a run blocker and pass protector.
Smith is smaller than Hockenson and Wesco, but he has excellent technique, gets his hands into opponents quickly, and knows how to turn an opponent with good leverage. He can do a better job getting into position earlier against larger defenders with reach blocks, but he excels at cutting off and turning defenders with his get-off, punch, and roll of his hips.
Knox and Sample aren’t far behind. Knox has the same versatility of use as Hockenson and Wesco. He’s patient with assignments in open space—sometimes too patient. Along the line of scrimmage, he comes off low, delivers a punch with hip-aided power and keeps his feet moving as he turns his opponents. He’s skilled at diagnosing the blitz and taking the correct assignment and with a square position.
Sample anchors well against hard contact at the line of scrimmage from larger defenders and he can turn that collision into a winning block. He might be the best blocker in the class. If he were more athletic, he might project even more favorably.
(Blocking) The Worst: Of the top prospects with potential to play on the line of scrimmage, Fant has work to do. He overextends on reach blocks and he’s prone to violent moves by defenders who easily throw him off balance—including defensive backs. He gets ripped aside too easily on stalk blocks and one-armed by larger defenders at the line of scrimmage. He begins blocks in a position that’s too high.
Oliver added weight this year. It’s healthy muscle and it’s beginning to show as he addresses his blocking techniques. He’s getting better at squaring, punching, and rolling his hips—he did this well with selected wind back blocks later in this year. Still, Oliver has a ways to go with his technical prowess when working in-line against larger opponents.
Wilson lacks hip mobility and it shows when he’s trying to hold his ground or generate force as a blocker. He loses balance when trying to change balance in tight spaces while engaged with opponents.
Vision
Two of the most important factors that separate a talented runner from a talented athlete are his comfort with physical contact (his heart), and his ability to anticipate and exploit the best places to run with the football (Vision). Locating the best place to run requires a runner to vary his rate of speed, set up the blocks in front of him, and move in one direction to exploit daylight in another.
Vision requires a high level of intuition, and backs or receivers with great vision and strong fundamentals as ball carriers exhibit a style that is akin to a great improviser in music or the spoken word—instinctive, but in control of the moment. Vision is the common denominator among great ball carriers. Even receivers need to show this type of heart to split defenders rather than attempt to run around them.
Delanie Walker was a great example of a dangerous tight end in the open field because of his vision and change of direction skills after the catch.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Vision
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Irv Smith, Jr.
Dawson Knox
Andrew Beck
Alize Mack
Kahale Warring
Foster Moreau
C.J. Conrad
Caleb Wilson
Trevon Wesco
Jace Sternberger
Dax Raymond
Josh Oliver
Kaden Smith
Drew Sample
Kaden Smith
Keenen Brown
Isaac Nauta
Matt Sokol
Noah Fant
Kendall Blanton
Tyler Petite
T.J. Hockenson
Micky Crum
Zach Gentry
Tommy Sweeney
1.5 1.2 0.9 0.6 0.3 0
(Vision) The Best: There are a lot of players who may have better vision than scored in this class, but they were often targeted in situations where they didn’t have opportunities to show more than straight-line solutions behind well-blocked lanes, or they had no lanes to access.
Irv Smith, Jr. and Warring had enough of these opportunities to show smart decision-making to find cutback or bounce-out lanes and extend receptions into longer gains. Hockenson is also a savvy runner. He’s not as fluid as Smith but he’s more physical.
Wesco lacks speed, but he’s exceedingly quick and has a feel for using jab steps, spins, and pacing to set up creases and work around defenders.
(Vision) The Worst: Kaden Smith transitions fast from pass-catcher to runner, but he doesn’t have a lot of creative
solutions in traffic. Oliver has the athletic ability to do the job but hasn’t shown a lot of it on tape that I saw. Wilson and Mack don’t move well enough to execute dynamic solutions.
Power
Simply put, Power is a football player’s ability to move forward when a defender is blocking his progress. The variety of methods a player can use to address the defender and his effectiveness at gaining yards after contact determines the player’s overall score within this category. Walter Payton’s style of play epitomized the techniques of a power runner. Payton was not a big back, but power often stems as much from aggression, leverage, and determination as it does size and momentum.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; Underrated-can improve; Underrated—little to no change.
Power
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Jace Sternberger
Irv Smith, Jr.
Andrew Beck
Alize Mack
Kahale Warring
Dawson Knox
C.J. Conrad
Keenen Brown
Dax Raymond
Caleb Wilson
T.J. Hockenson
Foster Moreau
Drew Sample
Trevon Wesco
Kaden Smith
Isaac Nauta
Noah Fant
Josh Oliver
Tommy Sweeney
Kendall Blanton
Matt Sokol
Micky Crum
Tyler Petite
Zach Gentry
4 3.2 2.4 1.6 0.8 0
(Power) The Best: Sternberger is a tough tackle because he pushes piles and carries defenders for extra yards, especially when he’s built momentum in the open field after the catch. Hockenson and Wesco run through a lot of indirect contact and have the size to continue pushing through contact. Irv Smith, Jr. and Warring also have the skill to pull and push defenders and bounce off hits.
(Power) The Worst: Mack, Nauta, and Oliver often find themselves on the ground without much yardage gained after contact. Oliver may improve as he develops more muscle and gets used to his new body. Mack and Nauta go down easily after contact to their legs, including simple wraps to the lower legs.
Durability
The category for durability is designed to measure the player’s ability to play with pain, overcome injury, and determine if he has any chronic issues that may prevent him from reaching his full potential as a pro. Some injuries are more a test of the player’s work ethic than his body’s healing capacity.
Others test both recuperative powers and character. More players slide in the draft due to injury history than most any other factor about them. I’m only listing players who’ve dealt with a notable injury that forced them to miss playing time at some point during their career.
Key: Little to no change; Easy Fix; Hard Fix; Bad Habits; High Ceiling-can improve, or skill between tiers.
Durability
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Andrew Beck
Caleb Wilson
Kahale Warring
Keenen Brown
Micky Crum
Trevon Wesco
4.5 3.6 2.7 1.8 0.9 0
Notable: Beck missed a season with a broken left foot and has two screws and a plate holding it together. Wilson saw action in a total of 13 games as a sophomore and junior. He missed 8 of those games with a fractured foot. Warring missed 2016 with a foot fracture. Brown sprained his Lis Franc and missed the entire 2015 season at Oklahoma State.
Wesco is not a member of the foot club for injured tight ends. He missed 2015 with a knee injury. Crum missed time with a nagging injury, but I did not discover the nature of the injury.
Depth of Talent Score
The RSP compiles points in these tiers and the ease of fix bonuses into a Depth of Talent Score. Here is the grading scale:
100-95 (Rare): Instant All-Pro upside; takes over games and changes teams.
90-94 (Franchise): Immediate production and leadership anchor.
85-89 (Starter): Starting immediately with large role and learning on the go.
80-84 (Rotational Starter): Executes at a starter level in a role playing to their strengths.
75-79 (Contributor): Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
70-74 (Reserve): Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
60-69 (Developmental): Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad players.
0-59 (Street): Developmental talents with deficits in experience, technique, or athletic ability.
The grades assigned to rookies are a portrait of their games based on their college performance and—depending on the nature of their flaws—a small-to-moderate projection of improvement. The grades given to rookies are not static; they are only a starting point of the player’s development.
If a player with a contributor grade improves in 2-3 areas during training camp, his rookie year, or his first off-season, he could emerge as a talent 2-3 levels higher on the scale.
While the players within the lowest four tiers have the greatest volume of issues, many of problems are easy fixes. This can lead to rapid improvement. As a player’s talent climbs the grading scale, the volume of flaws declines, but the difficulty level with addressing existing flaws increases.
The on-field impact of these gains also differs based on talent level. Players in the lower tiers will make the largest gains, but they are often less impactful than the smallest gains by a player in the highest tiers.
For example, reserve running back John Crockett could improve his acceleration, vision, blocking, receiving skills, and balance. It’s possible he addresses the first three of those five areas and improves from a high-end developmental talent to a high-end contributor.
If injuries strike or Crockett outplays existing talent on a depth chart, he could see the field more and when he does, he’s playing and producing in a meaningful way. His gains were significant, but they only put him on a plain where he’s closer to the average NFL starter.
In contrast, let’s say Jordan Howard and his trainers look at his tape and discover two small issues with his game. One could lead to minor improvement with his acceleration and the other could help him anticipate the opening of creases on an oft- used running play in Chicago.
Although Howard’s issues are fewer and smaller than Crockett, the on-field impact will often be as meaningful, if not larger because he’s already one of the best runners in football.
The Depth of Talent Score has little or no impact on the following:
A prospect’s competition for a spot on the depth chart.
Extended opportunity to prove his value.
Team politics and contract-driven decisions.
Injuries.
Scheme fit.
Supply and demand.
Supply and demand is vital factor. The RSP may grade 25 players with no worse than contributor values, but if the league’s depth charts are filled with reserves performing at an equal or higher level—or even a lower level with the other political and fiscal factors listed above—that “decent” or “good” grade may not matter..
I will list Depth of Talent Score for each player in the Rankings Profiles as well as the cheat sheet tables at the end of the chapter.
Overrated: Talent, But Work To Do
These tight ends are talents I recommend, but they still need to improve in key areas to capitalize on the opportunity a draft pick can provide.
Noah Fant, Iowa: Draftniks are most often split between Fant and Hockenson as the top tight end in this class. There is also a minority contingent that make a valid argument for Irv Smith, Jr.
Those who covet athletic ability and splashy plays gravitate to Fant. Those who do a lot of evaluation of trench work appreciate Hockenson.
Those I know who prefer Smith see a player who blends the best of Fant and Hockenson and believe that Smith will find a great fit with an offensive scheme. The RSP’s analysis is in the camp of the Hockenson and Smith arguments.
Fant could easily be the best of the trio, but he has flaws he must address. Depending where he lands, some of those flaws will be less consequential to his game. His technical issues as a receiver are the flaws that can be minimized.
Although not discussed during the NFL Combine’s gauntlet drill, Fant fought the ball on some of his reps. Take a closer look at his film and you’ll see a receiver who abandons the details of catching the football.
Fant often lapses into passive technique as the target arrives. He’s late to extend his arms and it forces him to catch the back end of the ball, making him more susceptible to dropping the ball after contact or fighting the ball into his frame
because he can’t secure it efficiently from this position. He also doesn’t get his hands together fast enough, which generates the same problems with ball position on his hands as he secures high-pointed targets.
Courtland Sutton had these issues at SMU and last year. He dropped catchable targets last year because of these flaws in his technique.
Other lapses include failing to get his head around fast enough to track the target, allowing the ball on top of him before he’s prepared to secure it.
Fant will also mistrack targets that arrive at waist and chest level, leaving his feet in anticipation of a target at his shoulders or helmet. This mistracking leads to inaccurate hand position, re-adjusting if there’s time, and fighting the football as it potentially gets into his frame.
These issues will become more prevalent as a rookie if his head is swimming with new information. When rookies are overwhelmed with new information, the first parts of their games to deteriorate are skills they perform well some of the time but aren’t always sharp with the consistency of detail.
These aren’t detrimental flaws, but they will require diligent work with a jugs machine and throwing sessions with quarterbacks. The most difficult of the issues to resolve will be the mistracking of targets that cause Fant to leap unnecessarily. This issue also hurts his potential for yards after the catch because of the amount of time it takes for him to return to earth and transition upfield.
If Fant struggles early in his career with drops, it’s because his tracking, extension to the ball, and hand positions won’t be consistent. Unless a team has evidence Fant is not a diligent worker at his craft, this shouldn’t deter any organization from selecting Fant, because he’s a game-breaking option at the position and is worth an early investment despite these flaws, which are mostly correctable.
Isaac Nauta, Georgia: A highly-regarded recruit, Nauta never built on those impressive moments from his freshman campaign. Fans and draftniks often point to the Bulldogs offensive system as the source, claiming underuse. It also leads to the narrative that Nauta will have a better pro career than he did in Athens.
It’s true Nauta could have a better NFL career, but only if he makes significant improvements to his game—not based on the rationale above. Nauta has work to do as a blocker and receiver before he can become an impactful, every-down starter in the NFL.
Nauta lacks an effective punch in the run game and he doesn’t earn an initial position on an opponent where he can sustain leverage after a collision. Once contact is made, Nauta usually loses position. Part of the problem is his stiffness as an athlete. He has difficulty turning and bending. It also leads to Nauta overextending, which consequently leads to easy wins for his opponents.
A stiff athlete, Nauta doesn’t move with the flexibility of a top pass-catcher at the position. He must develop greater strength and flexibility with his hips and legs, which may prove difficult.
If he can increase his fluidity as an athlete, it will aid him as a blocker, route runner, and ball carrier. If he doesn’t, his career will be limited to a reserve role.
Underrated: Better Than Many Think
Trevon Wesco, West Virginia: Wesco began his career as a 204-pound quarterback. After a stint in junior college, Wesco grew into a 267-pound tight end. He’s an effective run blocker with excellent quickness. He makes quick work of linebackers on direct blocks with quick feet and the power of his punch. The same strengths helped Wesco succeed with cut-off blocks against defensive ends.
Wesco can play in-line or along the wing. His quick feet and violent punch have made him a valuable H-Back who knocks over defensive ends after working across the formation on wind backs.
He wouldn’t be underrated in the RSP if he was only an effective blocker. Wesco uses that quickness to get open one-on- one against linebackers and safeties. He can run whip routes with the quickness of a top tight end or slot receiver.
He routinely earned separation on tape and in one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl. He lacks speed past the 20-yard point of a route that he’ll offer diminishing returns in the vertical game, but he will do strong work in the short and intermediate passing game.
After the catch, Wesco has the power to run through wraps and bounce off hits and also has the quickness and agility to dip away or hurdle shots to his legs. Wesco will begin his career as a valuable special teams option and a second tight end.
Don’t be surprised if he works his way into a starting role
Dawson Knox, Ole Miss: One of the better blockers in this class, Knox was an integral part of the Ole Miss ground game as an in-line tight end, H-Back and slot receiver. He possesses excellent technique as a blocker and has the athletic ability to work across the formation on wind backs, reach linebackers and safeties as part of a double team, and work as a lead blocker from the backfield.
With the trio of A.J. Brown, DeMarkus Lodge, and D.K. Metcalf starting at wide receiver, Knox didn’t earn as many targets as he might in another offense. He possesses excellent bend into hard breaks. He has the quickness to eat the cushion of off coverage defenders and he extends well for the football against tight coverage and contact.
The same skills that make Knox a good blocker also make him a tough runner after the catch. He’s a light-footed runner for his size that can change direction and work through contact.
Although Nauta is earning the narrative that he’s a good receiver who was underused, that story is more fitting of Knox. Look for him to show more skill as a one-on-one matchup problem, including jump-ball targets.
Projects: Minor and Major
Kahale Warring, San Diego State: A former water polo goalie, Warring has the physical makeup and baseline skills of an NFL starter. He’s quick, strong, fluid, and well-balanced. He also wins the ball in the air and catches it with excellent
technique away from his frame. After the catch, he’ll make the first man miss or force opponents downfield as they try to wrap him.
When Warring learns the intricacies of route running and blocking, he has the upside to become every bit as good as the top four options on the RSP’s board. Right now, his game is inconsistent and raw. As a blocker, his punch is a missing
component of his game. He has difficulty moving laterally and he isn’t consistent with the position of his hands. Warring often doesn’t realize the position he should take against his assignments—until the play has already unfolded.
Warring’s inconsistencies extend to the receiving game. He drops passes he should catch, failing to get his hands in optimal position for the target. He also lacks sophistication with releases and stems, occasionally losing balance as he transitions from his stem to his break.
It’s likely that the root of these issues is inexperience. It’s no guarantee Warring will reach his upside—especially when he’s trying to catch his game up to a specific level of fundamental refinement while jumping to the next level of difficulty.
However, Warring’s hand-eye coordination, physicality, and fluidity are difficult to teach. He has the next-level physical skills; now he must reinforce the foundation.
Josh Oliver, San Jose State: Another physically-skilled prospect in need of refinement, Oliver is a more refined receiver than Warring but is still attempting to develop physically into an every-down tight end. Oliver has excellent hands and fluidity to adjust to the ball at difficult angles.
His hands, body control, and acceleration make him capable of earning time as a move tight end. His blocking is still a work in progress. He’s developing a punch and learning how to move into position, but he’s still undersized and inconsistent with all the techniques that entail effective blocking.
The promising thing about Oliver is that he’s working at the craft and the things he does well as a blocker are signs that he’s heading in the right direction—even if they aren’t good enough for him to become an every-down starter as an in-line option.
Why Rankings Suck (And We All Want Them Anyway…)
I hate rankings. It’s a faulty categorization of talent. Every position in football has subcategories. Wide receivers and running backs have different roles based on the offensive system or their skill sets.
LeGarrette Blount’s role is much different from Darren Sproles’. DeSean Jackson is a vastly different receiver than Brandon Marshall. Russell Wilson might perform well in New England’s offense, but would you ask Tom Brady to run zone-read and scramble in Seattle? Is Brady a worse quarterback than Wilson because Wilson would fare well in more varieties of systems because of his athletic ability?
You can have fun debating the question, but the point is that all the players mentioned above have value, and a linear ranking isn’t an accurate portrayal of their value. I prefer tiers because in most cases there are groups of players that are so close in skill that a tier comes closer to recognizing talent value.
It shouldn’t matter to you whether Mitchell Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson are Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on an analyst’s board. It’s more important to know if they’re all within the same tier.
Three years from now, you may argue that Trubisky significantly out-performed the other two, but organizational fit, system fit, health, and surrounding talent are just four of several variables that don’t make a one-to-one comparison an accurate way of viewing talent. Nevertheless, I understand the desire for a linear order.
The rankings in each chapter of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio publication will also have headings that note the beginning of tiers where I would group these players. It satisfies my desire to dissuade readers from overreacting to a linear number (Why do you have [insert player’s name here] soooo lowwwww...) while giving you, the fantasy owner and draftnik, a beginning range to shift your boards around based on your team needs and fit.
Tight End Prospect Rankings for Dynasty Leagues
These are my top-20 tight ends based on film study. I am leaving out players I did not study, but could have made this list if I watched them play. I may add prospects into the post-draft analysis I didn’t watch prior to April 1.
My rankings are based on my Depth of Talent Score with ties sorted by the highest Breadth of Talent Score. These two scores represent the combination of collected data in this analysis, my view of their potential fit within any offensive system, and their potential for growth.
Since this publication was written prior to the NFL draft, the rankings wind up weighted toward the players whose skill sets would fit in a variety of offensive systems and have the strongest receiving skills. The post-draft rankings will balance talent with team opportunities.
The 2017 class was among the most talented in recent memory and 2019 has the players to surpass it. While it’s likely only 3-5 players from this class ever become starters—much less, fulfill their potential—there are 16 prospects with enough talent to generate fantasy relevant upside within the span of 3-5 years.
The first two prospects on this list should see the field early as contributors in the passing game. Within 2-3 years, they should become reliable and productive starters capable of big plays and Pro Bowl seasons.
The next two prospects have similar upside to the first two. They also could also see the field early on. However, they are not as refined. If they earn a good fit with an NFL team, it will be difficult for fans or fantasy players to tell the difference in the box score.
The players ranked fifth and sixth have the physical upside of the top four options preceding them on the RSP’s board. The No.5 prospect could start this year, if needed, and produce above expectation. The No.6 prospect isn’t ready for a high- volume role but has the pass-catching and athletic upside to develop into a player rivaling the top five.
Players in the seventh through ninth spots on the list have starter upside, but they lack either the physical or technical skills to match the potential of the players preceding them. With work and and a good schematic fit, they can be valuable producers, even if the differences between them and the top tight ends in the league are notable.
The next seven players at spots 10-16 have value as eventual role players. Half of them have starter upside but have more obstacles in the way of projecting this level of growth than the first 5-6 options on the board.
In PPR dynasty league settings, I would consider T.J. Hockenson, Irv Smith, Jr., Noah Fant, and Jake Sternberger among the top 36 picks. Hockenson, Smith, and Fant are compelling second-round selections. In leagues with premium PPR scoring for the position, they’re first-round options. Sternberger is no worse than a late second rounder.
Dawson Knox is an underrated player because he was underutilized in Mississippi’s passing game. He’ll be a bargain relative to the top four on the list. If you miss a chance at the first four or you’re value shopping, Knox is worth consideration.
Kahale Warring will need 2-3 years to emerge but physically he’s already on par with top prospects. He’ll be a priority practice squad stash. Trevon Wesco could start sooner than later but his big-play upside will be capped compared to the first six on the list.
Foster Moreau deserves the same characterization as Knox. He should have a better NFL career as a receiver than he did at LSU. If I were more certain about his pass-catching, he’d be closer to Knox.
Josh Oliver could start his career in the slot as a big receiver posing as a tight end but you’ll probably have to wait a couple of years to see if he’ll provide a return on investment.
Although one shouldn’t expect greatness from any rookie producer, the talent of the first three prospects I mentioned makes them worth consideration for re-draft leagues, if they make a strong impression during the summer.
Unless you’re in a premium PPR dynasty league with over 40 roster spots, I’d stick with the first 8 players on the RSP’s board as the eligible players for your draft. If you’re in a league this deep, you could increase the scope of the list to 16 options.
Tier I: There’s not a huge difference between Tier I and Tier II. Hockenson and Smith have the talent to acclimate on the fly, which is unusual for rookie tight ends. Although capable of starting, it’s more likely that they begin their careers with a role like Hunter Henry or O.J. Howard—second tight ends with more consistent production opportunities than usual.
T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (6-4, 251)
Depth of Talent Score: 86.7 = Starter: Starting immediately with large role and learning on the go.
If there was time, I’d re-evaluate Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Dennis Pitta through the current RSP evaluation framework to see how the top of that class
compares to 2019’s group. I’m curious because Hockenson and Irv Smith, Jr. have earned two of the highest grades I’ve awarded at the position.
Hockenson and Smith lack the extreme skill we saw from Gronkowski and Hernandez as ball carriers and receivers at their best. However, they possess versatile games that will translate immediately. Hockenson’s game reminds me of Pitta and Hockenson’s Iowa predecessor, George Kittle.
Hockenson is skilled enough as a blocker that he should see a starting lineup right away. He’s capable of hooking, driving, cutting off, stalking, and reach-blocking all three levels of defenders on the field. His notable foot and hand quickness shows up on cut-off blocks. He has an excellent pivot to earn position on defensive ends,
linebackers, and safeties, and he’s able to reset his footing and hand position when engaged with an opponent.
Hockenson has violent, sticky hands as a puncher who can latch onto larger opponents and control them with leverage. As a reach blocker, Hockenson arrives at the second level fast and once he punches, his hands don’t leave the opponent.
He has strong knowledge of leverage spots to push or turn an opponent and this is an excellent complement to a technically sound punch. Hockenson approaches linemen and linebackers with low pads, delivers his arms with an uppercut motion, rolls through his hips to generate a push, and begins moving his feet to drive the opponent backwards. When he can do these things and adjust his arms to steer the opponent, Hockenson is on his way to pushing the opponent well past the range of the ball carrier or serving a stack of pancakes.
Hockenson is good at coming off the line and using the opponent’s initial angle to his advantage—turning the defender away from the ball carrier. One of the quickest tight ends in this draft, he’s skilled at reach-blocking or cut-blocking edge defenders. Hockenson’s quickness also helps him set up sound redirects to re-establish leverage.
Whether it’s with power or finesse, Hockenson displays ability to earn initial position, fight to maintain it, and use a different approach if taken out of position. On plays where his assignment is away from the path of the ball, Hockenson hustles to stay with his assignment, even when that defender continues pursuing down the line after an initially successful block. Even when he’s losing the interaction, he continues working and doesn’t give up.
He’s quick enough to work down the line and then cut off a linebacker across the field. You don't see this often from college prospects.
Hockenson is more than an in-line tight end. He’s capable of strong work as an H-Back who can wind across the formation to seal pursuit or work into the line of scrimmage as a lead blocker. He takes strong angles into the crease as a lead blocker from the wing, meeting a linebacker shooting the gap, and knocking the defender sideways.
Hockenson’s movements are controlled, but not stiff. He can set up play action with a downblock for two beats then release to the flat. He’ll stay with a defender as a shield blocker in space and bait the opponent into taking himself out of the play on screen passes. He’s quick to his spot as a stalk blocker and uses excellent footwork to setup double-teams as the inside man pivoting to the opponent.
Although Hockenson has some highlight moments against larger defenders, you’ll see played on a loop during the week of the NFL Draft, he’s not Superman. Defensive ends can bull rush him and execute push-pull moves to
cast the tight end aside. He won’t always reach the opposite side of the line in time as a wind-back blocker and can struggle with positioning on stalk blocks.
Hockenson has the physical and technical tools to block in the NFL. Learning a new offense while adjusting to the upgrade in competition will be the challenges. If he proves a quick study, he should see the field early as no worse than a second tight end.
It’s Hockenson’s blocking that could earn him a starting job right away. However, if he isn’t quite ready for that responsibility, his skill as a receiver will get him on the field as a second tight end.
Although Noah Fant earned a lot of public praise, Hockenson often earned a decent amount of bracket coverage from opposing defenses. Late in games, I noticed defenses were most concerned about Hockenson, not Fant. And Hockenson was able to work through these brackets with good technique.
Hockenson’s acumen as a blocker aids his work as an inline receiver or slot man. He has a good feel for establishing position in tight spaces. He uses shoulder reductions, double wipes, rips, and arm-over releases in conjunction with footwork to set up defenders inside-out or outside-in. His releases are quick and earn him immediate separation on shorter routes.
Hockenson runs stems with proper length and good pace variation to sell a route. He’ll puncutate his stems with a jab step or, occasionally, a violent head fake that snaps 90 degrees to the opposite side of his eventual break point. Once at the top of his stem, he’ll also use the arm-
over effectively against off coverage meeting him over top.
His breaks will get him open in the NFL. He executes flat breaks on short routes and his hip mobility is good enough to execute 90-degree turns with a snap. When running routes with hard breaks, he sinks his weight and decelerates to a sudden stop.
Hockenson integrates these skills well with intermediate and vertical routes—especially double-moves. He runs an effective corner-post. He also sets up defenders with pace variation and a stutter to earn separation on the curl—breaking back to the ball effectively.
Hockenson catches with his hands away from his frame and possesses a wide catch radius and boundary awareness. He knows how to slide both feet at the boundary and displays this skill on high, low, and wide targets.
Hockenson tracks the ball over his shoulder and can adjust his frame in the air to win the ball. A sturdy player, he’ll make the catch and take the hit.
His physicality is also on display as a runner. He’ll drive defensive backs downfield when he drops the pads on them in the open field. Linebackers and safeties must hit and wrap Hockenson or he’ll pull through their grasp.
He’ll also take a defender for a ride if they hop on his back.
Most often, it’s Hockenson’s quickness that comes to the forefront when he’s a ball carrier. He makes the first man miss with quick transitions upfield, using a stiff-arm to ward off reaches from the pursuit. He makes quick turns upfield and he can dip away from opponents. Combine his first-step quickness, acceleration, and balance, and Hockenson will earn moderate gains after the catch— sometimes a lot more because he can run through multiple points of contact.
Hockenson’s ball carriage is a little loose at the elbow but sound overall. He’ll switch the ball to the arm away from the pursuit when there’s time and space to do so.
Hockenson’s game isn’t as exciting as his peers, but it’s the most refined. This refinement earned Hockenson more of the dirty work while Fant earned more of the glory targets. Look for Hockenson to earn greater glory in the NFL as a receiver and a productive full-time role.
He’ll be a good fit for any team that needs an in-line tight end. However, it’s an offense that uses a lot of shifts and moves Hockenson around the formation as a slot, wing, and in-line option that will maximize his talents.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: There’s better than average odds that Hockenson’s blocking will be good
enough for him to start. If he’s drafted by a needy team like the Broncos, Lions, Packers (Graham looks slow), Jaguars, Saints, or Raiders, he could start immediately. He’d be a nice fit in Green Bay or New Orleans.
He’s an early pick in 1.5 PPR formats and an acceptable choice at the 2-3 turn in normal PPR leagues—maybe
earlier if he lands on an NFL team with a great quarterback.
Irv Smith, Jr., Alabama (6-2, 242)
Depth of Talent Score: 85.65 = Starter: Starting immediately with large role and learning on the go.
Hockenson may be the best all-around tight end in this class, but Smith is the better receiver of the two. He’s a little more refined as a route runner and performs up to his quickness as a runner a little more often than Hockenson. Smith is an excellent blocker but gives up useful size to Hockenson. On the the field, that’s the extent of the difference.
The son of a former NFL starting tight end, Smith, Jr. earned the majority of his use as an in-line tight end at Alabama. He also saw time split wide and in the slot.
He has the best releases among the tight ends in this class. He has notable burst off the line from a two-point and three-point stance and incorporates a variety of moves to get free, including wipes, rips, long-arms, and arm-overs. He combines them well with rocker-steps, three-step release footwork, and arm-drumming.
When jammed, Smith can overcome the physical play by widening or narrowing his stem and working back to the desired area after the break. Stem manipulation is a routine part of his route-running game. He’ll also alter the pacing of his stems to set up a sharp break to the ball or set up the opening of a zone.
His breaks are flat with sudden turns and proper depth for the route. They can be a little flatter if he opens his hips more with a sharper point of the toe. Smith can execute hard breaks with a sudden stop and turn.
As needed, Smith will break back to the quarterback. When facing zone, he’ll find the opening and settle there.
Smith also combines arm-overs, rips, and swipes at the top of breaks to earn separation against tighter coverage. He has to use hard breaks and drops his weight into the break a little more often when working hitches and stick routes over the middle.
Smith has reliable hands. He uses the active technique of extending his arms away from his frame at every opportunity and displays enough of a catch radius to make plays on targets high, low, and over his shoulder.
Smith is a good ball tracker. He can extend for the ball without leaving his feet for targets where other prospects will overreact because they couldn’t track the ball as finely.
He’s an effective receiver against tight coverage. He’ll make the turns away from the opponent and catch the ball while wrapped.
Once he makes the catch, Smith possesses a quick first step to transition downhill. He flips his hips quickly and has the stop-start movement to avoid multiple defenders in the open field. Although Hockenson is stronger and Fant is faster, Smith is the most proven at weaving
through the open field and using his balance, power, and movement productively.
He has an effective jab step to freeze opponents as well as skill to bend the path of runs with a good speed to avoid pursuit. Smith is good at lifting his knees high to pull through wraps or avoid shots to his lower legs altogether.
He’s strong enough to push through wraps by safeties and drag wrapping defenders until teammates arrive to
start a scrum. He’s good at taking passes in the middle of the field and finding lanes to extend plays.
Smith carries the ball tight to his chest and when in traffic, he will cover it with both arms. He doesn’t use the proper arm away from pursuit as consistently as he should and his elbow gets a little loose, making his carriage susceptible to punch-outs.
Smith is also one of the best blockers in this class.
Whether he’s working in-line, on the wing, at fullback, or in the slot, he’s quick, technically-sound, and plays with leverage.
Smith has excellent footwork to set fast and can transition from 45-degree to 90-degree sets against defensive ends. This makes him effective with cut-off blocks against all three-levels of defenders.
Smith is a good puncher who delivers his hands with a snap and rolls his hips to get power behind the movement. He can combine his footwork and punch to set fast and drive defenders off their spot. He delivers his hands with force, pushing linebackers backwards and then latching on with good position. This also makes him an effective stalk blocker.
Smith posseses good form on reach blocks and cut-off blocks, helping him earn an early advantage against bigger opponents. When he loses, it’s because he can’t get his shoulder in front of the opponent quick enough. When he’s knocked back early, Smith recovers fast and will use good leverage points to drive the defender off balance—even after the defender has disengaged. For his size, Smith is effective at anchoring his position.
Smith is an effective lead blocker as an H-Back. He’ll find the linebacker in tight creases and hook, cutoff or pancake the opponent. He gets low into contact and rolls his hips upwards despite overextending a little bit on the play.
Smith also overextends with some drive blocks against smaller defenders, leading him to get cast aside. He’ll try redirecting his efforts but often incurs penalties because he can’t make the play without holding. Still, he’s often smooth enough with his efforts to redirect and can disguise the holds long enough that an official doesn’t see them.
Smith will need to continue refining his hand placement on blocks. Even when he doesn’t earn optimal position, he’s still quick enough to turn defenders and can rest his hands on for better position.
Smith’s size, speed, skill after the catch, and versatility in the run game are reminiscent of Delanie Walker, who is
also a skilled stalk blocker and cuts off defenders well in the run game as a smaller tight end with good strength.
Smith will thrive as part of an intermediate passing game who can extend plays even longer when targeted against zone coverage in the middle of the field. He’ll hold up better than expected as a front-side blocker despite lacking prototypical size.
If an offense opts to use a bigger tight end for run blocking, Smith adds the element of unpredictability as a wing back or slot player. He can work from the slot or wing to cut off, seal, or lead block in less predictable run alignments. He can also earn matchup advantages as a receiver in these looks.
Smith could easily be the most productive tight end in this class.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: What I advised with Hockenson is no different with Smith.
He’s an early pick in 1.5 PPR formats and an acceptable choice at the 2-3 turn in normal PPR leagues—maybe earlier if he lands on an NFL team with a great quarterback
Tier II: The two players in this tier could start right away with few glaring issues beyond typical bouts of inconsistency due to acclimation. Fant could be a little more inconsistent if used more as an in-line option than a move-tight end.
Noah Fant, Iowa (6-4, 249)
Depth of Talent Score: 84.65 = Rotational Starter: Executes at a starter level in a role playing to their strengths. (On cusp of Starter Talent)
Fant is an excellent athletic talent at the position who can contribute immediately as a receiver. He’s not as polished of a pass catcher as Hockenson or Smith, nor is he as
capable of a blocker. However, he’s a little more athletic and he will earn early opportunities to produce at a high level.
Fant’s ability to separate is one of his top skills. Like his peers in this tier, Fant has a variety of successful moves to facilitate his release and subsequent separation from opponents. He can reduce the shoulder, swipe, arm-over, chop, swim, and rip.
His rip is one of his best moves. He’ll use it against tight coverage as he works into his stem, or against off coverage as he closes in on their position at the top of his stem. The move also comes in handy when he is setting up coverage with outside shade so he can break to the inside. Fant will also deliver chops, arm-overs, and swims at the top of stems to enhance separation at the break point.
Fant has the speed to win without use of his hands. He has a good rocker step as well as inside-out and outside- in patterns with his feet to bait coverage early. He’ll run by linebackers and safeties—and some cornerbacks—
when he can earn room to accelerate early. Once behind them, Fant will stack and control the pace and angle to the football.
Although he has the speed to work past defenders and a variety of handiwork, he is susceptible to getting rerouted by physical defenders who don’t fear Fant’s speed. While this happens most often up the sideline facing man-to-man coverage, zone defenders have had similar success in shallow areas of the field. It’s one of the reasons that Iowa’s opponents were more apt to bracket Hockenson than Fant.
Fant earns many of his biggest plays as a vertical and deep threat and his route running skills reflect it. He’ll use pace variation to set up his acceleration. He has a quick jab step to set up breaks with angles of 45 degrees or tighter. He will use a head fake or nod at the top of his stem to bait opponents into guessing wrong on the direction of the break.
Fant uses his success with these routes to set up routes that break to the outside or inside at a sharper angle.
He’ll maintain the pace of his stem until the last step and then deliver a flat break. He’s skilled at accelerating until the top of his stem into breaks. He can drop his weight effectively to make the turns but doesn’t bend at the knees as much as he should to earn as sudden
deceleration as you’d like to see from the route.
Fant can begin breaks with one long step into a tight turn. He’s tighter with breaks that are speed turns than hard breaks. Regardless of the break type, Fant is consistent with breaking at good route depth. He’s also skilled at accelerating through the break and looking for the ball.
A capable pass catcher who authors some difficult grabs, Fant has room to get even better. He’s skilled at tracking the ball over his shoulder, high-pointing targets, and digging out the low throw. When Fant beats coverage up the sideline and the ball is underthrown, he will jump back towards the ball against tight coverage.
He has an easier time tracking low throws than high ones. When a target arrives at chest height or above, Fant has a tendency to leap for the ball unnecessarily. This can force him to make last second adjustments to correct his hand position and he’ll fight the ball. Or, the ball gets into his body and bounces off his frame.
When Fant makes the catch on a target he left his feet for unnecessarily, it also slow his transitions upfield, allowing opponents an angle to tackle him that didn’t exist if not for the leap. Transitions are fine details for receivers and tight ends and many top athletes must learn to maximize their athletic potential in the pros.
When he tracks the ball correctly, Fant has good hand position based on the location of the target. Fant will use underhand and over-hand technique in the appropriate situation. He can track the ball to his back hip and make receptions of targets arriving into his frame.
Contact while catching the football doesn’t distract him. However, his hands position requires greater consistency. He’ll extend for high throws but often makes these extensions late.
The ball sometimes arrives before Fant has his hands together to meet the ball and he winds up making contact with the back-end of the ball. When this happens, a receiver has a more difficult task of securing the football to his body because it’s not in a stable position in his hands. It makes him more susceptible to dropping the football after contact.
Even when Fant is on-time with his extension, his hands can be too far apart, creating the same issues. To complicate matters, Fant has occasional lapses where
he’s passive with his hands or fails to get his head around on-time to track the pass.
If Fant struggles early in his career, these will be the prevalent issues. Denver receiver Courtland Sutton also struggled with inconsistent and slow hands in college. They were the source of some of Sutton’s problems after he entered the starting lineup in Denver.
When Fant makes the catch and turns upfield, he has the power to pull through wraps to his lower legs. However, he gets dropped by head-on contact by safeties more often than his size should allow.
His stop-start moves need improvement and his turns near the sideline need to be tighter so he can remain inbounds. His metrics suggest he’s nimble enough to execute quick turns but his tape isn’t as convincing.
Fant has enough grip strength to maintain possession of the ball when defenders try to pry the ball from his body or swipe at the ball. He uses his right arm more often than he should but has used the correct arm to avoid pursuit—he only needs to gain consistency with this measure of ball security. His elbow is too loose unless he senses traffic is nearby.
Fant may not be the blocker that Hockenson and Smith are, but he’s good enough to grow into a useful contributor as soon as this year. He can punch, latch, and drive defensive backs off the line. He’s effective as a double-team blocker who will stay tight with his teammate and then transition quickly from one block to the next.
Fant is an effective shield blocker who approaches fast and gets his hands onto his opponents. He can do this from a standing position and a three-point stance.
Fant earns square position on reach blocks against linebackers. He keeps his feet moving and turns his opponents quickly. This includes hooking defensive ends inside.
Fant also earns good position with his initial sets as a pass protector on edge assignments. He’s quick enough to move laterally and force opponents to an outside track around the pocket.
Ask him to drive block a defensive back and he’ll reach, extend, and move his feet. He even flashes ability to uppercut and turn a defensive end with a cut-off block. As a pass protector, Fant will stay tight with his teammates to prevent any loose gaps. When there is no assignment, he’ll work to help his teammate. He may not hold up long against an edge rusher’s bull-rush but he
can punch with some hip roll to slow the progress of the defender. His lateral movement is good.
Fant transitions well from running routes to blocking downfield. Whether it’s a defensive back in open space or turning an edge defender at the line of scrimmage, Fant consistently uses the best shoulder to do the job.
He’s at his best when he can shield or cut-off the backside of the defense. It allows him to use the opponent’s momentum to his advantage.
Defenders with violent hands are too much for him right now. They consistently throw Fant off balance when they can deliver with force.
Fant also overextends on reach blocks to the flat and can be too low and slow with his cut-off blocks against defensive ends, who can shove him to the ground. Ends are usually strong enough to turn Fant at the collision point and take a side.
Although he rolls his hips with his punches, he’s not consistent at generating the necessary power against larger opponents. He has difficulty anchoring run blocks. He can get one-armed and tossed aside on reach blocks because he doesn’t establish a balanced position.
Despite the issues as a blocker and receiver, Fant compares favorably to Evan Engram in both areas. Engram has greater speed, but not the size or upside as a blocker.
Fant should begin his career as an effective contributor in two-tight end sets where the team may choose to shift him around the formation pre-snap. He has much greater potential than Engram to develop into a complete tight end.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Fant will be the first tight end off the board in most leagues because
corporate media’s analysts created layers of positive stories about Fant before they knew much about Smith and Hockenson. Even so, Fant has enough skills and upside to deserve consideration as the top option at the position.
You will have to pay that price to take Fant. He’s an early pick in 1.5 PPR formats and an acceptable choice at the
2-3 turn in normal PPR leagues—maybe earlier if he lands on an NFL team with a great quarterback.
Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M (6-4, 251)
Depth of Talent Score: 82.9 = Rotational Starter. Executes at a starter level in a role playing to their strengths.
Sternberger is a draftnik favorite because he’s the underdog-turned-top-prospect with a gritty personality to his game. He was a two-star recruit at Kansas who transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. This year was Sternberger’s first at Texas A&M, and he made the most of his opportunity. With a frame to add another 10-
15 pound of muscle and retain or increase his explosion, he’s just getting started.
Sternberger plays the slot, the wing, and works in-line. He posseses excellent burst off the line into routes. He’ll reduce the shoulder or use an arm-over to earn separation up the seam. If he has to work past two
defenders in succession, he’ll use these two moves effectively. Against off coverage, Sternberger has an effective rip to set up his breaks.
He has a good sense of storytelling as a route runner— especially intermediate and vertical routes like the corner-post/post-corner combination. He understands how to sell the deep route with his pads over his knees and then use subtle adjustments to his pacing and key fakes like a shoulder or head bob to bait an opponent.
He breaks sharply on speed breaks, opening his hips with the toe pointed to the sideline. He can also drop his weight into hard breaks and work back to the ball. He’ll also use a long step to begin his deceleration into hard breaks. Once Sternberber executes his breaks, the breaks are flat and his route depth is consistently good.
Sternberger is a fluid receiver. He catches the ball in tight windows—man or zone coverage—and high-points or digs out the ball with proper hands techniques. His hands can be tighter together on high-point opportunities so the target isn’t knocked away as easily by trailing coverage.
He tracks and adjusts to targets thrown tight into his frame and he has the flexibility and coordination to make one-handed, back-shoulder catches while working away from the target. Whether he’s hit in the back or it’s head- on, contact does not faze Sternberger as a receiver. It makes him effective in the middle of the field as well as on screens.
Once he catches the ball, Sternberger transitions fast and becomes a tough runner. Linebackers and safeties have difficulty bringing him to the ground—even with hits and wraps.
Sternberger pushes piles, bounces off indirect hits of consequence, and pulls through wraps. He’s had multiple runs this year where he’s forced defensive backs to leap on for a ride while hoping they can slow him down enough for help to arrive. Sternberger has pushed and pulled defenders 10-20 yards in these situations.
He has the pad level and strength to break multiple tackles to his lower legs during a run. He sheds high and low wraps and uses a stiff-arm to ward off contact.
He carries the ball with the arm that’s working away from pursuit. He’ll switch the ball as necessary. The elbow is a little loose from the frame, which gives the ball some added exposure to potential swats from pursuit.
Sternberger’s rugged athletic ability shows up as a blocker. He’s capable of working across the formation as a wind back blocker as well as reaching the second level to seal linebackers from rushing lanes.
When a strong side linebacker catches Sternberger with a hard shot off the edge, he can extend his arms and punch into the contact while maintaining position with a
strong anchor. As he adds weight, he'll be harder to push around—and it's hard to do right now.
He’s effective double-teaming defensive ends with his
tackles and he’s skilled at working to the linebackers with a square position. He can punch with an uppercut motion and earn placement inside the shoulders of his opponents.
He’s sudden enough as a mover that he can finish his first attack, re-establish his hands and deliver a second wave with good footwork. These skills also make Sternberger an effective stalk blocker because he reaches the second level fast, delivers a first punch, and follows up with a second push almost immediately after.
He’s quick enough to work inside-out on cut-off blocks against defensive ends and also reach the inside linebacker in the hole as a lead blocker. In each case, he’ll close the gap between himself and the defender, deliver a punch with intensity, and turn the opponent.
Sternberger slides well as a pass protector, moving laterally to the edge and squaring the opponent. He also earns good depth in the pocket and mirrors his assignment once engaged in contact. His combo blocks begin with good angles to setup his attack and strike both defenders in succession.
Although he can cut-off defensive ends when working across the formation, he’ll lead with his shoulder rather than set up a punch. While effective when he makes
contact, it’s not as technically sound and he loses an opporutnity to control the opponent.
Sternberger can be late off the snap. Because he’s undersized for his frame, he can be underhooked and turned to the ground in short yardage situations when facing a good run-defending end.
When attempting to collapse a larger edge defender inside, he can overextend his frame. The same is true when he’s hurrying to the collision point of an assignment across the formation.
Sternberger can help an NFL team immediately in the receiving game if he can read defenses with his quarterback correctly and learn the offense fast enough.
His blocking is also good enough to earn a spot as a team’s second tight end.
In addition to the locations mentioned for the three tight ends above him on the list, he’d be a nice fit as Rob Gronkowski’s replacement in New England or Jason
Witten’s understudy in Dallas. Denver could use him right now.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Sternberger could prove the bargain for those seeking a top tight end. He’ll be available after Fant, Smith, and Hockenson leave the board. Consider him an early-to-mid pick in the third round in PPR formats In a TE-premium PPR format, he’s worth a second-round pick.
Tier III: The two players in this tier are vastly different in terms of game readiness. Knox can contribute now at a high level in every facet of the game. Warring could produce now, but only in a limited capacity as a second tight end.
Dawson Knox, Ole Miss (6-4, 254)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.45 = Contributor: Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Based on what I see in my circles, Sternberger is the favorite tight end just below the top three in this class and Foster Moreau is the underused prospect who will be better than his production at LSU. Both will be considered relative bargains on draft day. Knox has the potential to be the best of the tight ends “a notch below” the marquee names.
Knox is a good athlete who operated in the shadow of Mississippi’s renowned receiving corps, doing much of his work as a blocker. When he earned targets, Knox made them count—average 18.9 yards per catch in 2018 and
13.4 yards per catch the year prior.
Knox’s 4.51-second,40-Yard Dash at his Pro Day and his 4.27-second, 20-Shuttle at the NFL Combine were on par with some of the best performances of the pre-draft workouts. Knox eats the cushion of off-coverage in a hurry. He’s skilled at reducing the shoulder to work away from contact up the seam and his speed turns are tight. He’ll also vary his pacing as necessary to set up his breaks.
Knox can win from the slot, wide, in-line, or as an H- Back. In addition to speed breaks that earn him separation on over routes and outs, Knox drops his weight with good deceleration and executes sharp breaks on hitches, stop routes, and dig routes.
He has the quickness to separate against man coverage and the football knowledge to identify open spots in a zone. He’ll break back to the ball as well as work with his quarterback when the play breaks down.
Knox has the fluidity and hand-eye coordination to high- point the ball—even extending behind his break point to make the play. He often made good plays on bad throws, including high-points of slants with full extension to cut off a defender playing off-coverage with an angle or sliding grabs on targets thrown low and behind him with a defender on his back.
Look up the etymology of “Knox,” and it is probably some Southern colloquial phrase for Piggyback.
The best chance of preventing Knox from making the catch is stifling him on quick-hitting routes with contact that forces Knox to work free just as the ball is arriving.
After the catch, Knox tucks the ball under the appropriate arm working away from the pursuit. He transitions quickly downhill, often dipping away from the first defender and accelerating past linebackers. He can spin off contact from safeties and pull defenders his size or smaller for extra yardage. He’ll also split defenders and use his strength to lean for 3-5 yards after contact.
Receiving is the most underutilized part of Knox’s game. However, his techniques are sound when performing, practicing, and even during the audition phase of the NFL Combine.
Because of his low volume as a receiver, Knox is a busy player when it comes to the private workout circuit. The Cowboys, Cardinals, Jets, Bills, Texans, Saints, and Titans were all on his schedule in March. You can bet they’ve seen enough from Knox as a blocker.
Knox has a lot of fundamentally sound tools as a blocker. He comes out of his stance low, delivers a punch, rolls his hips, and turns his opponents in the direction he desires while keeping his feet moving to generate a push.
Knox’s maturity as a blocker shows up in a number of ways. He’s patient to the point of attack, he gets low without dropping his head, and he keeps his eyes up as he delivers his punch to the chest of his opponents.
Knox has the strength to hold up against many defensive ends just long enough for a runner to work through a release. He does a good job of working his hands into the the frame of his opponents so he can turn them to the side Knox desires. When he gets low, he has the grip strength to latch onto an edge defender.
Knox will be a good tight end for a gap-style running game. He’ll need more work on his footwork and position for zone blocking. He’s not as quick against run blitzes or when asked to move his feet and change direction on play-action blocks where he's creating misdirection.
Although he can run block edge defenders, pass protecting against these big men is above his pay grade.
He gets one-armed and beaten to the edge. His hand
usage and leverage need improvement because he can’t subsist on brute force against larger defenders. He can also improve his angles of approach.
Knox can slide his feet with edge rushers and remain
square. He’ll remain square with his tackle to prevent any open gaps off the edge. Up the middle, Knox will work deep into the line to attack a blitzing linebacker or safety. He also understands which defender to take when there's an outside blitzer and an free inside assignment.
Knox is a competent cut blocker. He works across the pocket to the edge defender and takes out the correct hip to knock the opponent to the ground. In open space, he’s patient enough to set up the cut and work across the legs with good height. When working the backside with a cut, he’ll widen that defender with his initial position so if the cut doesn’t work, the defender is still moved out of the play.
Knox is also a patient stalk blocker and follows up well after first contact. He moves his feet to remain square— even against defensive backs.
Knox is the type of prospect that could get selected by a team that may have recently acquired a young tight end and winds up rolling with Knox as its starter by 2020.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Knox is a worthwhile mid-to-late pick in fantasy drafts depending on where he lands. If he’s selected earlier and to a needy team, he could earn similar value as Sternberger. Knox will likely be a compelling low-risk investment in most fantasy drafts.
Kahale Warring, San Diego State (6-5, 252)
Depth of Talent Score: 77.25 = Contributor: Starter execution in a limited role; diminishing returns beyond that scope.
Warring will be one of the compelling stories of the NFL Draft because his upside could earn him a pick earlier than his current skill level. A former goalie in water polo, Warring converted to football late in his high school career and acclimated fast to his new postiion and sport.
The San Diego State Aztecs used Warring as a second tight end and as an in-line option or split from the line. The Aztecs run a gap-heavy ground game that sets up play-action passing.
Warring displays quickness and budding skill with his releases. He releases into his stem with low pads. He reduces his shoulder to avoid contact tight to the line and a rip move to work past off coverage.
When executing delayed releases, Warring earns position to the desired side of the coverage and then begins his acceleration. Warring must develop several more release techniques and, cultivate them so he’s using his hands and footwork together.
He’s a smooth accelerator with good pacing to his stems. When he executes speed breaks, he has sudden and smooth turns. He also gets his head around to the quarterback.
He’s currently winning routes that lean on his acceleration to manipulate defenders during his stem. He’ll run outs with good acceleration during the stem to sell the post before breaking to the outside. He’ll earn one-on-one matchups with linebackers on wheel routes and he’ll run over routes against zone coverage.
Warring has to continue developing as a route runner. He must learn more ways to manipulate defenders during his stem, use pace variation, and execute hard breaks with technically-sound deceleration.
Warring’s hands are the technical strength of his game. He catches the ball with his arms away from his frame and uses the correct position based on the location of the target. He snatches the ball while airborne and secures it to his body quickly.
Warring shields the ball from defenders on one-on-one targets while airborne. He moves smootly in the air and he’s not deterred by contact. He can also dig out low targets with good hand position.
After the catch, Warring posseses quick stop-start movement to work away from pursuit. He can pivot outside-in to avoid an opponent and find open field in the
middle. He secures the ball well as a runner and makes quick transitions after the catch.
Warring is a promising blocker though he has work to do. The fundamentals are coming together. He comes out of his three-point stance with his hands in good position to work into the chest of his opponents. When he earns contact, Warring keeps his feet moving and can drive edge defenders into the line of scrimmage or off the ball.
He’s getting better at maintaining his hand position. He has good grip strength and smaller linebackers and safeties have difficulty shedding his position.
Warring is quick enough to reach the second level of the defense without overextending. He can turn linebackers he engages at that level.
He’s currently not a puncher, but his hands are quick and he closes the gap between himself and his opponent to generate leverage. He moves his feet well enough to remain square to his target before engaging.
The skills Warring displays as a pass catcher, runner, and blocker are good enough to invest in him as he figures out the details of the game. His inexperience leads to inconsistency and lack of awareness.
He’s not always sure where he should be as a blocker as the play unfolds. He stumbles during his stems or after his breaks. He drops passes that he should catch and doesn’t always earn the best position with his hands and feet on blocks. He’s a project with starter upside—very productive upside.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Warring is an ideal pick after the fourth round of rookie drafts in leagues that have practice squad spots. Without these spots, Warring is a player to monitor unless you’re in a premium dynasty league and have room for one luxury patience play and need a tight end.
Tier IV: The six players in this tier include game- ready contributors like Wesco, Moreau, and Smith and short-term developmental options who could earn cameo roles as recievers—Mack, Oliver, and Wilson.
Trevon Wesco, West Virginia (6-3, 267) Depth of Talent Score: 74.85 = Reserve:
Contributor with limitations in scope and execution
(On the cusp Contributor Talent).
Wesco is a former high school quarterback who morphed into a big, rugged, and agile tight end. While we usually see young quarterbacks convert to tight end and thrive as receivers, it’s less common to see them become skilled blockers.
Wesco offers both. Known for his excellence as a blocker, his skill as a route runner, receiver, and ball carrier are
currently undervalued. He’s not a vertical threat, but has the acceleration to work the seams and earn gains of 15- 30 yards.
West Virginia used Wesco as an H-Back, lining him up as an off-set fullback, on the wing, in the slot, and as an inline blocker.
He’s skilled at dropping his weight into breaks. You don’t normally see 267-pound H-Backs run whip routes. Wesco does and earns separation against lighter defenders trying to cover him. His turns on routes breaking to the quarterback are as sudden as experienced pros.
His catch radius is better with high targets than low-and- away throws. He uses the correct technique for the location of the target and wins the ball against tight coverage and hits. He extends for the ball with defenders tight to him with the ease of a power forward catching a pass in the paint while posting up an opponent.
Wesco’s routes usually come against zone coverage, which means he’s not facing contact at the line of scrimmage that requires release moves. He displayed rips, chops, and shoulder reductions during Senor Bowl practices and used them successfully. He didn’t do much with footwork in conjunction with these moves.
On tape, Wesco will use his arm to swipe past defenders as he works into his stem. He’s skilled at turning his shoulders to get skinny and avoid contact, and he’ll use a traditional shoulder reduction to dip away from contact.
Wesco must continue developing rapport with his quarterbacks on broken plays so he can work open and become more of an asset. He also must develop more sophisticated stems to bait man coverage, which isn’t something he faced a lot of at West Virginia.
After the catch, Wesco is a difficult player to handle. He transitions quickly with a tight turn upfield. And he has impressive stop-start quickness.
Wesco can dip, jab, or parallel cut away from contact without losing acceleration. He can even hurdle reaches and step out of wraps.
When linebackers hit him with indirect contact, Wesco remains on his feet and pushes the pile. He can get wrapped by multiple defenders in the middle of the field and still possess the strength to turn inside or outsde a wrap and drive forward 3-4 yards despite the gang tackling in force.
Whether it’s pushing through contact, running through hits, or even hurdling defenders, Wesco often makes the first man miss. He’s one of the best runners after the catch at the position in this class.
Wesco loves to hit the line of scrimmage hard when he’s a lead blocker. He’s violent at the point of attack and he’s blessed with impressive acceleration. When he can lead with his pads and with the full force of his momentum, he does so. He can stone a safety in the crease.
He’s also patient enough to pace his approach when his job is to target a specific defender and turn him to a side. He can often turn linebackers inside as soon as he reaches the defender in the hole.
He has heavy hands when delivering a punch and the skill to work down the line, square his opponent and
deliver a punch. Wesco also uses his hands to swat down the reach of linebackers working around the edge.
Wesco is effective enough on sprint outs to get his hands on the outside or inside pads of an opponent and turn him away from pursuit. He also has sudden quickness with cut-off blocks and pivots into position really fast.
Wesco’s drive blocks are strong. He rolls his hips into his punches and can stand up defensive linemen with the force of his punches.
Wesco also makes easy work of linebackers on direct blocks with the same good punching technique. He’s quick enough to cutoff defensive ends.
His hands are violent. He knocks over defensive ends with his collisions when he works across the formation as a wing back.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Wesco will be a late- round pick in the NFL Draft. He’s likely a waiver pick up or stash in leagues with massive rosters, practice squads, and PPR TE-premium scoring.
Foster Moreau, LSU (6-4, 253)
Depth of Talent Score: 73.2 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Many in the draftnik community regard Moreau as an underutilized resource who will have a more productive career in the NFL than he did at LSU. If the Senior Bowl was any indication, they are correct. The week of practice gave Moreau an opportunity to showcase his receiving skills and he demonstrated the ability to earn separation, beat physical coverage, and win at the catch point.
At LSU, Moreau was used much like Knox, Hockenson, and Smith—on the wing and in-line. He also flanked LSU’s quarterback in shotgun sets.
Moreau has an effective arm-over to release from the line that he can pair with a drop step. He’ll also reduce the shoulder from reaches when working up the seam.
Additional development of release moves, including footwork, will be important for Moreau’s future as an NFL receiver.
Moreau demostrates a little bit of weight drop into hard breaks but he could extend the range of motion for more dramatic stops. His breaks have some suddenness and sharpness. The same is true of his range of motion with his hips when executing speed turns.
During Senior Bowl practices, Moreau often won passes in tight coverage during drills when the ball was coming to him no matter what. Although he can widen defenders with his stem and break away from the opponent for separation, Moreau has to demonstrate a lot more manipulation techniques to earn separation than what he’s done on tape or at an all-star practice.
Moreau catches the ball with his hands and uses the appropriate technique for high and low targets while facing the quarterback, whether on the move or with his back to the passer. When forced to turn against the momentum of his break path, Moreau has the hand-eye coordination to make the one-handed catch. He also can dig out low throws with a sliding catch while shielding adefender at his back.
He’s a rugged player who will work between defenders in a tight window and win the ball while taking contact.
However, Moreau has a tendency to catch the ball too tight to his frame when he has an opportunity to attack the targets earlier.
He makes fast transitions downfield from receiver to ball carrier. He’s more nimble than agile. He’s not going to author dynamic change of direction but can spin off contact and extend for exra yards.
More often than not, Moreau will use power and balance.
He’ll split defenders, drop his pads, and bounce off
contact. If he’s near the marker or the goaline, Moreau will leave his feet to reach the desired spot.
As is the case with Knox, Moreau is better known for his blocking. He has heavy hands as a pass protector and run blocker. He hustles to his assignments as a stalk blocker in the open field or as a lead blocker at the line of scrimmage. When working in-line, Moreau will come out of his stance with a low back and drive the defender backwards.
Moreau’s initial work against defensive ends and linebackers often leads to him earning an initial advantage with position. When pass protecting, Moreau understands the spacing he needs with his tackle when facing pressure up front. He has the same feel in the run game on plays off-tackle or heading outside.
Moreau has the hand position, arm movement, and anchor to stand up defensive ends in the run game.
Although his hand position is good and punch motion
correct, Moreau’s punch has inconsistent violence. When he rolls his hips, he can stand up an end and drive him backwards.
He handles a lot of of dual responsibilities as a blocker where he helps with one defender and peels off or works to the next level to attack the next. He’s quick to identify and reach the target and he approaches assignments with his head up and back flat and low.
He has good 45-degree sets and will slide with edge pressure in the passing game to cut off the pocket from defensive ends with good hand position. He moves well laterally in pass protection.
Moreau will often get a defender moving backwards from the line with a punch and lockout of his arms. He’ll also work his hands into the chest of his opponent and extend while driving his legs. He does this successfully against outside linebackers. When bullrushed by edge defenders, Moreau can meet the effort with a punch and while it won’t stop the opponent, it will slow the push.
He’s inconsistent with reach blocks, sometimes overextending. He’s patient with stalk blocks and he delivers his hand with good position.
Moreau can get too aggressive with shoving downfield and likes to hit folks. Sometimes he treads that line between aggressive and dirty.
Although Moreau has a nasty streak, he also has a passive streak. If the defender isn't immediately fighting him, he gets passive and doesn't dictate.
Moreau is a solid prospect. If he can translate his metrics to his on-field performance, he’ll be an underrated player.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Moreau could be overvalued as a mid-round selection in some fantasy drafts, but most leagues will likely select him late—if at all. He’s a practice squad stash in premium PPR leagues and a player to monitor from afar in other formats.
Alize Mack, Notre Dame (6-4, 249)
Depth of Talent Score: 72.9 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Mack is the most acrobatic pass catcher in this class. If he can become a better runner after the catch, he’ll earn playing time—perhaps even a starting job if he also continues his development as a blcoker.
Mack was used in line, in bunch sets, and in the slot. He has a quick rocker step from the slot and routinely beats linebackers with it. At the top of his stems, Mack uses a dip of his shoulder to earn late separation when he runs the fade route. He has a rip move that has repeated success when working on the outside against cornerbacks.
His first step into routes is NFL-caliber. He manipulates zone defenders with his stem, widening it before turning and fading on a stop route. His stems often have good pacing—even when he’s in the slot, he can use that pace to draw a safety to him and ensure his teammate on the outside has a one-on-one.
Mack’s speed breaks have smooth, tight turns with flat breaks. He’ll break back to the ball and shield the defender. On double-moves, Mack needs to sell the first break in more compelling fashion. There’s not enough snap to it.
Catching the football is his wheelhouse. He’s fluid enough to high-point the ball on targets arriving over his
shoulder despite facing tight trail coverage. He’ll make difficult adjustments to the ball while taking hard contact. In one game, Mack took an elbow to the chest from a safety while fully extended for the ball. The officials called a personal foul penalty on the safety, but Mack managed to catch the ball even after taking the hard hit to his chest and rebounding even harder off the turf.
This isn’t unusual play from Mack. He’ll high-point the ball over the middle on crossing routes and take contact
as well. He’s skilled at attacking the ball at its earliest point and snatching it to his body. However, he can also arch his back and attack the ball at late windows of arrival and still make the play.
Mack has a quick enough first step to work past linebackers. He tucks the ball under the appropriate arm away from pursuit angles. The elbow can be a little tighter to Mack’s frame but it’s not an egregious issue.
He lacks balance to work through hits and wraps to his legs from linebackers and defensive ends. He goes down on first contact easily. If he can widen his stride and develop a little more strength and address his balance issues, Mack could become a valuable option in a passing game.
Mack sets fast and gets square to his opponent when he’s blocking. He’s quick enough to work across the formation from a wing alignment to wall off a linebacker or safety blitz. He’ll also work to the middle and strike a blitzing defender, knocking the man into the line.
Mack can punch and roll his hips through the strike against linebackers and safeties. He can turn them quickly when he punches with desired form. He has the grip strength to sustain his contact, move laterally, and wall them off.
He has difficulty doing this against linemen. He can anchor and turn them with a shove if he can work inside their hands.
However, Mack most often leans and overextends into contact. He also lacks grip strength against larger men to sustain his position. He’ll minimize a push against larger edge rushers but he does not win these battles often.
Mack is slow to peel off double-teams and attack the next blocker. He’s also slow to transition from route runner to blocker in the open field.
Mack is an excellent receiver, a blocker with potential for improvement and a subpar runner. If he can earn his keep as a big-play receiver, the ball-carrying won’t matter.
Pre-Draft Fantasy Advice: Mack is a late-round investment in fantasy leagues with big-play upside.
Josh Oliver, San Jose State (6-4, 249) Depth of Talent Score: 72.65 = Reserve:
Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Oliver is a developmental project with good enough hands that he might earn a contributing role in the slot, depending on the team. He’s making progress as a blocker but it’s unlikely that any team will be counting on him as an every-down blocker.
The strength of Oliver’s game is catching the football. He has an excellent catch radius as a receiver.
He’s capable of extending high for the ball while on the move, including targets thrown behind Oliver’s break point with a defender trailing him tight. Oliver gets his
hands in uniform position above his head and displays fluid motion to snare the ball, pull it down, and secure it against tight coverage and while running in stride.
He gets open on over routes, slants, screens, and corner routes. He uses a head fake to sell a defender at the top of his stem.
When facing tight coverage, he has an arm-over and he can also reduce his shoulder. Oliver must develop more snap to his breaks on stop routes. He has some ability to drop his weight, but needs to work on bending deeper into breaks on underneath routes.
After the catch, Oliver has the patience to alter his stride to smaller steps and avoid pursuit from over the top. He keeps his feet moving when he makes contact.
As a developing blocker, Oliver earns square position and will use the uppercut motion when punching. He still has issues timing his punches so he can earn a winning position.
He’s a patient stalk blocker and remains in a balanced position to extend his arms. He also has strong arm length and keeps his feet moving as he makes contact.
When he can begin a block tight to the defender, he can use the opponent’s side to pancake him. Oliver transitioned fast from receiver to blocker.
At best, Oliver is 2-3 years away from becoming an every-down option. He’s on the right course as a blocker, but must develop comfort with his new physical dimensions and the techniques of his position. He may never reach that level of skill.
He’s a good enough receiver that he might earn a contributing role. However, his route skills need more work before he can become a compelling alternative to a good slot receiver.
Contributor with limitations in scope and execution.
Wilson is a talented pass catcher with speed. He may also serve as an example of how people can lack subtlety with an evaluation of a player—an exaggerated case, but still one worth considering on a broader level.
Wilson’s 4.56-second, 40-Yard Dash is only topped by Noah Fant. He can challenge defensive backs when he’s given space to build to his top speed. This will happen with specific types of zone or off-man coverage.
Wilson has a smooth-gliding gait, which can help him
earn separation up the deep seam and he’s effective on corner routes. When he can reduce the shoulder to avoid
contact during his stem, he’ll have enough speed to challenge a safety playing over the top or a linebacker playing off Wilson in the flat.
Wilson’s acceleration and change-of-direction quickness are starter quality when timing them with the 20 Shuttle (4.4 seconds) and Three-Cone Drill (7.2 seconds). These athletic skills haven’t shown up as well on the field, though.
If he can translate the work he’s done to become adept at these drills to the movements that will enhance his
releases and routes, Wilson’s game will see a substantial improvement. This is what separates Wilson from being a prospect with viable starter potential.
Right now, Wilson is limited to playing the short game with occasionally forays into the deeper zones when his offense can figure out a way to sneak him past potential contact that would slow him down.
Although lacking the movement that by-the-book scouting finds projectable for route running, Wilson gets the job done with less conventional methods. He performs smooth, quick, and precise breaks that are flat and sets them up with a violent stick of one step and a precise speed turn that has snap.
Wilson gets his head around as he makes the break and works a step or two back to the football. As a change-up to his smooth-gliding setups, Wilson has a tricky stutter that he’ll use at the top of his stems to set up coverage.
He’s adept at turning his head to the opposite side of the break point as he’s reaching the top of his stems to set up his opponent. Although not a hard-cutting athlete who can drop his weight into breaks, Wilson opens his hips quickly with the point of his toe.
This will get him open on underneath routes where he continues running through the break path or the break requires short movement away from the turn towards the sideline. However, he’s not going to have as much success with curls, comebacks, or hitches.
Wilson has a wide catch radius but not an especially high one. He high-points the ball well when the target is within his leaping range. However, he is not an explosive leaper so this will limit the extent of his height advantage in the pros.
Wilson has the reach and fluidity to turn his body to the target and extend his arms. He’s especially skilled at catching targets thrown behind his breakpoint.
He also has an especially good feel for catching the ball against tight coverage. He’s comfortable taking contact and, whether he’s attacking the target with a defender at his back or splitting a pair of opponents, he has strong timing and the skill to snatch the target and pull it away from harm’s reach. He’s the type of player that a quarterback can grow confident in targeting in tight coverage on fades and shallow zones in the middle of the field.
Once Wilson catches the ball, he doesn’t unlock the speed and agility on the field that he showed in
workouts. He’s a stiff-legged runner with a high waist and loses balance trying to change direction in tight spaces.
He doesn’t bend well to earn leverage against contact. A defensive back delivering a hard hit to the shoulder knocks Wilson off balance—even when Wilson has momentum heading into the contact. His best move to ward off contact is a stiff-arm. He’s not a finisher or a yardage-gainer after the catch.
Wilson secures the ball high to his frame and uses the correct arm that’s not in the path of pursuit angles. His elbow is too wide.
Wilson’s lack of mobility hurts his potential as a blocker. Whether it’s punching and turning edge defenders in the ground game or striking and anchoring in pass protection, Wilson lacks the bend to do so on a consistent basis.
Wilson possesses a good strike in terms of location of the punch and he can latch onto smaller defenders with enough strength to sustain contact wihle moving laterally to remain square. This makes him competent as a backside protector or part of a front side double team.
He has difficulty exploding from his stance to shoot through a defender on cut blocks. And because he doesn’t bend well, his punches can be a little high on stalk blocks and cut-off blocks.
Solely based on my interest in the craft of player evaluation, Wilson is an intriguing player. He plays with effort and awareness. He’s a good short-area receiver with strong hands and some upside in the intermediate
and vertical game. And he may even develop into a high- volume underneath option like former Raider Todd Christensen.
However, I’m not intrigued with him from the standpoint of tight ends from this class. Wilson is a one-speed player whose change of direction, acceleration, and balance
don’t show up as well on the field as it does in workouts. Right now, Wilson’s game is less than the sum of its parts.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: He’s a viable late- round pick in a PPR premium league. He’ll likely make a team and deliver sub-package production as a reserve. He’s a better option to use as a bye-week option off the waiver wire than clogging up a spot on your practice
squad. Unless it’s a league with over 40 roster spots, monitor from afar.
Kaden Smith, Stanford (6-5, 255)
Depth of Talent Score: 70.9 = Reserve: Contributor with limitations in scope and execution. (On cusp of Developmental Talent grade)
A competent tight end who should have a career as a professional, the idea of Smith developing into a consistent impact player of note in the passing game is probably too high of an expectation. He’s athletic enough
to play in the NFL, but not athletic enough to become a productive starter.
He has strong change-of-direction quickness and this help him earn separation on shorter routes where he can make a play with a defender tight to him. It’s also an asset with his footwork releases and arm-over. He’s a
strong enough player that he’ll work through tight, physical coverage to earn position to the target.
From a three-point stance, Smith often uses a strong step inside or outside the defender playing him over top. He’ll use his hands to find the effective leverage point against a defender and earn position as he works downfield, driving the opponent off balance at the top of his stems.
At the top of stems, Smith uses a swipe. He’ll also use it at the end of a three-step release from the line with working from the slot.
On deeper routes, Smith gets his pads over his knees when he releases from the line. Although not a sudden player, his quickness and skill to execute tight turns can be an asset on short-breaking routes. He can bend the stem to widen a defensive back playing man and work up the seam.
As a blocker—and this also applies to Smith’s route running—he can release with a shoulder reduction to reach linebacker depth and earn position to the target. When facing off-coverage, he’ll lower his pads into the defender at the top of his stem and execute a speed turn for a flat break.
Smith executes good speed turns on short routes when beginning the route from a three-point stance at the line. However, these breaks have diminishing returns when he must accelerate through longer breaks on routes that drag across the field. He doesn’t pull away from linebackers and defensive backs.
This is why you may see some characterize Smith as quick out of breaks in one case and slow out of breaks in another. Another issue that can cloud one’s perception of Smith’s quickness as a route runner is that he tips off perimeter routes when he looks to the quarterback before his breaks.
When Smith widens a defender with his stem, he must have a plan with his feet and arms to set up his breaks to the inside. He’s hung up by defenders easier than he should be.
The same is true when an opponent attacks Smith during his release from a three-point stance. He must have a better answer than leaning into the opponent and letting the defender ride him up the stem. Brute force and persistence only goes so far as a route runner because it costs Smith time on these timing routes.
When Smith gets open, he’ll make the play. He catches the ball with the proper technique for the location of the targets and he extends his arms to attack the ball— including full extensions of his frame high, low, or away from the target.
Smith will take contact to make the catch and maintain possession. He can also make tight turns upfield with his back to the safety or linebacker and then turn away from the momentum of his break to make a catch of a target that forces him airborne.
He’s a better zone receiver than man receiver because of his athletic limitations. It’s also why he’s most likely a reserve who can help in two-tight end sets, but will limit his offense if he’s a relied-upon starter expected to stretch the middle of the field. Unless Smith has excellent acceleration that’s been hidden from his game because he earns occasional bracket coverage and because
single-coverage defenders are playing him tight on a frequent basis, he lacks upside as a versatile option in the passing game.
Smith earns yards after the catch because he’s quick to transition upfield with a sharp turn. He pushes through wraps and can bounce off hits by defensive backs and smaller linebackers. He’ll also use his free arm to swat through reaches to his frame.
He splits defenders, drops his pads, and keeps his legs moving through wraps for extra yards. However, he’s not likely to break a play open and turn gains of 3-5 yards into 20-30.
Smith is a good blocker. He comes off the line low, delivers his uppercut punch, and rolls his hips through contact he makes into the chest of the opponent. Smith turns defensive ends with his strikes and maintains his hand position.
Smith consistently works to maintain his hand position on opponents when engaged with them. This also makes him a patient and effective stalk blocker.
Smith has the strength to lock his arms inside and extend his opponent backwards. On cut-off blocks, Smith pivots fast, gets his arms and hands in good positon and moves his feet to remain square to the opponent.
He’ll overextend his position when trying to reach assignments beyond the line of scrimmage. His feet also become splayed as he moves to stay square with the opponent. This leads to Smith getting knocked off balance.
When a part of the passing game, Smith will transition from receiver to blocker fast enough to reach a defender and get his pads on the man. He is an effective shield blocker who moves his feet through the contact against smaller defenders.
Smith catches and blocks with the skill of a pro, and he displays some savvy to work open within the limitations of his athletic ability. He doesn’t offer an offense a
consistent mismatch of any kind. It’s why he’s a capable reserve lacking upside.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Monitor from afar and focus on athletes with big-play upside who might develop into every-down starters.
Tier V: The five options in this tier could contribute in two tight end sets but have limited upside until they develop additional layers to their games.
Isaac Nauta, Georgia (6-3, 244)
Depth of Talent Score: 68.95 = Developmental: Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad. (On cusp of Reserve Talent grade)
Nauta wil help a team as an underneath receiver from the slot, the wing, or the line of scrimmage. He can work the intermediate middle with an over-route and corner route against man coverage. Against zone, Nauta will run effective hitches, stop routes, seam routes, and other quick-hitting patterns where his ability to execute precise breaks won’t be as important as finding the open space and coming to a quick stop within it.
Nauta has some effective moves off the line of scrimmage from the slot or in a three-point stance. He reduces the shoulder and stacks his opponents when he earns space early in the route. He has an effective swim off the line. At the top of his stem, Nauta uses the arm over to earn position.
He works into his stems with his pads over his knees to sell the possibility of the vertical route. He’ll also vary his pacing while working the stems of his routes. He’ll bend his stems to widen or narrow the coverage as a way of setting up his breaks.
Nauta’s speed turns are fast and he gets his head around quickly to the target. His releases and routes will improve when he can gauge the position of off-coverage better.
There are plays where Nauta isn’t setting up his
movement in a meaningful way because he’s not timing his movements to impact the coverage based on the distance between him and the opponent.
Nauta’s greatest issue as an athlete is his stiffness in his hips. He doesn’t bend or turn dynamically and it limits his ability to execute hard breaks or change direction quickly enough to make defenders miss. His speed breaks are fast but immediate turns back to the quarterback such as stop routes lack snap. He also lacks speed to separate in the intermediate and deep zones. This is why his most successful routes at Georgia have been routes where a
sharp snap with the break isn’t as important to its success.
He lacks skill to execute hard breaks with strong deceleration and his stems lack sophistication to set up these routes. He’s at his best using his head and shoulder to set up breaks against defenders playing off coverage or zone over the top.
Nauta tracks the ball well over his shoulder and his hands techniques are dictated correctly by the the height of the target. He extends his arms away from his frame for targets away from his frame. He’s capable of making the catch at the first available window of arrival—which is
helpful when he’s working against tight coverage that wraps him at the catch point—but he must become more consistent because when he doesn’t do so, it’s a significant source of his dropped passes.
Nauta’s ability to make plays while dealing with contact is a positive of his game. He can make catches with defenders hitting him in the back, colliding into his chest, or getting sandwiched by multiple opponents.
After the catch, Nauta carries the ball high to his chest but his elbow is too loose. He has a stiff-arm to ward off contact but you won’t see him shoving larger safeties to the ground with it unless he earns ideal leverage. Nauta normally doesn’t earn this type of leverage because he lacks great bend and fluidity with his torso.
He’s more of a blunt weapon in the open field, bouncing off hits and wraps to his upper body or carrying defenders on his back for extra yardage. His balance is productive against safeties or weakside linebackers.
Nauta is effective with cut-off blocks, drive blocks, and reach blocks when he can earn an initial punch and hand position. His work as a wind back blocker from the wing is less consistent because he doesn’t always reach his opponent fast enough to begin with a balanced position to strike.
Nauta has quick enough feet to keep moving as he delivers a push that has some violence. He remains square after his strikes and can slide side-to-side. He’s at his best when he can shield defenders or stalk block.
His blocks on linebackers have some effectiveness when he can use an uppercut punch from a square position. When he drops his head into contact, his efforts diminish.
In the open field, Nauta works back to the ball carrier and delivers a shot. However, he has difficulty earning strong positions as a stalk blocker.
One of the underlying problems with Nauta’s work as a blocker in every range of the field is that he’s out of position after initial contact with the opponent. He doesn’t approach blocks in a way where he can sustain his position after the collision.
He loses leverage because he doesn’t set fully. He’ll overextend and strike without his feet in a balanced position. Overextension is a frequent issue in his game.
He also has thin legs for his frame and he doesn’t hold up well against stronger opponents. This is a source of his
leverage problems because he’s trying to compensate for a lack of balance and anchoring strength with sheer force of contact.
Nauta could have use for a team as a reserve who will make plays in the passing game when called upon. If he can improve his lower-body strength and flexibility, he’ll have greater upside. Don’t count on it.
Depth of Talent Score: 65.05 = Developmental: Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad.
Sweeney plays inside and from the slot. He’s a skilled route runner and receiver with just enough athletic ability to play in the league.
Sweeney has a quick first step and he uses a variety of techniques to release from the line. He can reduce the shoulder, arm-over, or rip. He’ll also use them at the top of his stem at the break-point.
Sweeney shapes his stems well enough to influence off- coverage linebackers and set up his breaks. His first step through the break point is quick and earns him an additional step or two of separation.
A rugged pass catcher, Sweeney can handle physical play at the catch point. His film reveals a tight end who makes catches on over routes with defenders wrapping him or even undercutting his legs. Sweeney attacks the ball at the earliest available target window and uses the correct hand position based on the location of the ball.
When transitioning from receiver to ball carrier, Sweeney extends through hits and wraps to his legs. He can execute tight turns or spins to get down hill.
During the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl, Sweeney played on an slippery winter surface and displayed excellent balance and maneuverability to accelerate from pursuing linebackers and defensive backs. Teammates and opponents were slipping frequently and had to change out cleats at half time. Sweeney only slipped once during the half.
His ball security is sound, tucking the ball to the correct arm based on the location of pursuit. The overall security is tight.
Sweeney is one of the better blockers in this class. He’s a capable combo blocker who can get his arms under the pads of a linebacker and at least shield and slow the
defender’s progress. He has a sound, uppercut punch on approach with a cut-off block or reach block. He rolls his hips through contact to stand up the defender while he continues moving his feet to turn the opponent.
Sweeney’s patient approach as a reach blocker is on display when he stays tight to his teammate until he reaches the linebacker at the second level. He displays good feet and position as a backside pass protector on the edge, remaining tight to his tackle so he prevents an opponent from splitting them.
Sweeney is consistent at handling linebackers and has the technique to come off the line low and stand up a defensive end with a direct block. When he keeps his back low, he can strike, turn, and pancake an end.
Sweeney also cuts off defensive tackles and hooks them to prevent pursuit.
After his first strike Sweeney follows up with a quick adjustment to his position so he can remain in position for second and third strikes.
In addition to his work from the line, Sweeney has the range to play along the wing and work across the formation to seal the edge. He’ll hook larger defenders and drive them off the ball.
Defensive linemen can push Sweeney back with a punch, but Sweeney will slide with the contact and reset without losing control. He’s good at keeping his feet under him and moving laterally as a pass protector.
Despite the increased risk of getting tossed aside by linemen, Sweeney still approaches these interactions with a technically-sound punch when many tight ends abandon technique in an attempt to strike with power and wind up losing faster.
The only time Sweeney consistently overextends is with lead blocks into the crease. He may not be quick enough to reach the linebacker and that leads to the technique flaw—and getting swiped aside quickly.
Sweeney’s skills are good and capable of getting better. The bigger question is whether he can become more explosive. If he can, he could earn time on the field.
Don’t count on it, though. He’s just good enough to contribute but there will always be younger players with greater athletic upside competing for the same spot.
Depth of Talent Score: 66.05 = Developmental: Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad.
Gentry is a former quarterback prospect who changed positions. His game has enough to work with as a blocker and receiver that, if he can become more consistent, he has athletic and technical skills to contribute in the NFL.
Gentry has a variety of release moves that work, including a three-step footwork release, an arm-over, and a hook-and-swim combination move. The hook-and- swim needs more work because his footwork was too slow to execute it.
He’s developing his work with stems. He can bend an angle in the stem to sell the route that breaks in the opposite direction of the one he’s actually running. He’ll use variation with his pacing as well as widening the stem to create more space in a zone defense.
Gentry will often puncuate these moves with a double- swipe past the off-coverage or a head fake at the top of the stem. His speed and acceleration are good enough to earn separation up the seams in a zone defense.
When he runs shorter routes, Gentry keeps his pads low off the line and into his stem to sell the possibility of a deeper route. He lacks the quickness and speed to
dominate against man coverage. He’ll need precise and physical movement to earn separation against tight man- to-man coverage.
Gentry’s stems can be a little longer so he earns appropriate route depth without the need to drift from his breaks. His breaks can be flatter and sharper when he’s
executing speed turns. When he’s running intermediate routes, he can keep his pads lower a little longer.
Gentry catches the ball with his hands and attacks the ball away from his frame. He’s good at squaring his targets on routes breaking back to the quarterback. He uses the appropriate technique for the location of the targets.
When he earns room to run, Gentry tucks the ball under the appropriate arm away from the pursuit angles of defenders. He uses a high-and-tight grip.
Gentry will lower his pads into contact, but he has to accelerate into the collision or else defenders smaller will stalemate him. He also has to get his pads lower earlier.
This happens in the run game. He can come off the line too high and lose leverage. This gets him pushed into the backfield by defensive ends and the penetration or push often disrupts the running game.
He displays some skill to work from a three-point stance and come off the line with a flat back, get his hands under the defender and deliver an uppercut punch. When this happens, he can collapse an edge defender into the pile.
Gentry is quick enough to cut-off block or shield opponents. His punch can improve but it's enough to handle larger defenders when his efforts are precise. Gentry often uses his hands well enough to work inside the arms of his opponents. He’ll fight off the hands of his opponents and shield them from the ball carrier.
He’ll work to the second level of the defense and earn good angles on linebackers, turning them away from the path to the ball.
He plays with intensity, making second and third efforts to shoot his hands and move his feet to secure position on a safety or linebacker down field. Against a smaller defender, Gentry can latch onto the chest and sustain his position.
Many of his strikes are shoves. He must work on the ferocity of his punches so defenders cannot rework their hands into his frame. He’s often late with his strikes because he winds up before shooting them forward.
Gentry’s footwork needs more control. He moves with a loping, awkward gait in tight spaces. He moves well in one direction laterally but his feet get crossed up when redirecting.
Gentry plays slow. He appears a half a step behind on a lot of his tasks. When he’s playing on-time or anticipating a situation well, he looks like a much better athlete.
It's possible he's still learning and it’s slowing down his processing of information. If so, he has some appealing physical tools and technical skills that can be effective on Sundays.
Pre-NFL Draft Fantasy Advice: Monitor on the waiver wire unless it’s a deep league with 40+ on the roster, a large practice squad, and a premium PPR scoring format. Gentry is intriguing if you study football talent, but not so much if you’re seeking immediate contributors.
Drew Sample, Washington (6-4, 255) Depth of Talent Score: 65.9 = Developmental:
Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad.
Sample projects as a second tight end who will help in the shallow zone as a receiver but primarily serve as a sixth or seventh lineman. He primarily worked from the wing or in-line at Washignton, occasionally splitting from the formation as a receiver.
Sample can use his hands to grab the chest of a defender’s jersey and rip inside or outside with his release.
He understands when and how to settle into a shallow zone but when his quarterback is on the move, he has to be careful not to work into coverage. He exhibits an arm- over at the top of his stems on routes breaking back to the quarterback.
Sample doesn’t make fluid stops on hitches because he’s not sudden with the turn. His speed breaks lack snap.
However, he breaks back to the quarterback effectively and he has good weight drop into hard breaks.
Sample catches the ball with his hands—demonstrating good judgment with his technique relative to the location of the target. He’s sturdy enough that he’ll make the catch and take contact to his back.
He’s not a dynamic mover in space. Expecting significant gains after the catch is not realistic. He will lower his pads and spin off indirect contact from the pursuit. He also carries the ball high to his chest and tight to his elbow and will cover with both arms in traffic.
After a route breaks open and he’s not targeted, Sample works down field looking for an opponent to block. He transitions well from receiver to blocker.
From any alignment, Sample is adept at turning defenders inside or outside the path of the ball carrier. He comes off the line low with good pad level and an uppercut punch that helps him wall-off opponents.
Sample also anchors well against hard hits from
defensive ends when he’s beaten to the punch. He can slow the momentum of the opponent and push back with enough force and leverage to drive the defensive end backwards.
He works across the line of scrimmage quickly enough to square a defensive end and deliver a sound punch without overextending his frame. His cut-off blocks attack the correct shoulder so he can turn the opponent and maintain a balanced stance.
He delivers a hard punch against edge rushers and interior linemen. He locks on to them at the point of
contact. He’ll move his feet throughout the interaction, driving the opponent in the direction he chooses. He also uses his hands well enough to counter the moves defenders attempt as pass rushers.
receiving skills that he’s worth monitoring during training camp to see if he earns a significant role. Otherwise, expect him to be a career reserve.
Dax Raymond, Utah State (6-4, 255) Depth of Talent Score: 64.6 = Developmental:
Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad.
Raymond has potential value as a receiver. He has enough athletic ability and skill to earn separation on short, intermediate, and vertical routes. He has the physical tools to become a better route runner and could emerge as a contributor in an offense if his routes improve.
Raymond reduces the shoulder and rips upward to earn separation against tight coverage. Against off-coverage, Raymond has a three-step move with an arm-over and head fake baked into it.
He begins stems with his pads over his knees but loses intensity to his pace as he reaches the top of his stems. If he corrects this behavior, Raymond will more effectively set up his routes.
There are occasions against zone coverage where defenders can effectively re-route him with physical play.
His speed turns are tight and finish with flat breaks. He gets his head around to the quarterback after the break. When he has lapses with his breaks, he tends to drift or he’s not consistently executing with a sudden turn.
As he’s breaking across the field, Raymond squares his pads enough for the quarterback to have a solid target.
He’s a good pass catcher capable of snatching the ball from the air after extending his arms wide of his frame. Used often in the slot or split wide, Raymond is effective at routes where he can catch the ball in stride and work down field. He makes plays over his shoulder and does so in tight windows of zone coverage.
When the ball isn’t on-target, Raymond executes smooth, full turns or extensions for the target while airborne. He knows how to settle between zone defenders, create a nice target, and take contact to come down with the ball.
Raymond possesses enough burst to work past his downfield blockers for chain-moving gains. He also drops his pads into contact and pushes through for extra yards. He protects the ball with either arm and carries it high, but a little loose at the elbow.
Raymond does his best work against linebackers and safeties as an H-back in space who can work across a formation, get position inside a linebacker, and deliver the uppercut with good hip roll to drive the defender
away from the ball carrier. He’s also a capable stalk blocker who approaches his assignments with a good blend of patience and urgency.
When stalk-blocking, Raymond executes well as both a stand-up and a cut blocker. If he catches contact from a defender in these situations, he has the size to anchor and redirect a push.
Raymond has more difficulty against linemen. He needs to get into their pads quicker and with greater accuracy with his hands. He overextends when establishing contact and rarely operates from a balanced position.
Linemen repeatedly had success getting under Raymond’s pads and knocking him backwards if not off his feet. He only punches as a lead blocker or space blocker. He must deliver punches against larger defenders.
His best work against defensive ends comes when he can attack the opponent’s side, push him into the pile, and fan out to square an outside linebacker. If he wants to become an every-down player—or even a first-call reserve, Raymond must develop better position and punch at the line.
Tier VI: The remaining options on the list are fighting for practice squad spots and futures contracts. They are also candidates for other professional leagues.
Special Teams, end of bench, and practice squad (On the cusp of Street Free Agent).
Blanton has starting-caliber acceleration that shows up when he works off the line into his stems and stretch the seam. His deceleration at the top of his stems into his turns is competent and he’ll earn separation on speed breaks.
Blanton does a good job of working back to the quarterback when he runs short outs and flat routes. He works back to the ball with his hands in position to attack the target at the first available window.
Blanton can making sliding adjustments to the ball with a defender at his back. He’s also capable of high-pointing the ball.
He must become more consistent as a pass catcher. He drops targets that hit his hands and fails to get his hands close enough together to prevent the ball from going through them. Targets that don’t arrrive to Blanton in stride are troublesome for him.
Once he catches the ball, Blanton is quick enough to sidestep the first defender and strong enough to pull through reaches to his legs. His pad level must improve so he can get under the pads of linebackers and not get
stalemated by their collisions. He carries the ball high and reasonably tight to his frame.
Blanton is adept at sealing defenders to the inside when he’s in a three-point stance and blocking runs to his side of the field. He squares his targets when stalk-blocking as a receiver split from the formation. Regardless of the block he’s making, Blanton moves his feet well.
He’s big enough to earn a strong push on defensive ends when sealing them to the inside. He’s quick off the line, earns a good angle of attack, and turns the opponent.
Blanton’s release from the line includes a flat back and controlled movement with his feet. He’s skilled at delivering a shot to the defensive end and working up field to the middle linebacker. He’ll maintain a square position and turn that linebacker away from the ball carrier.
Blanton has a competent punch with uppercut motion and he rolls his hips through the contact when he faces linebackers and defensive backs as a stalk blocker.
Against larger defenders, Blanton overextends.
He’s athletic enough to play in the NFL, but he must refine his routes and become more consistent at the catch point.
Depth of Talent Score: 59.8 = Street Free Agent (On the cusp of Developmental Talent).
Brown began his career at Oklahoma State as a 205- pound, four-star wide receiver. He came from a high school program that ran only a handful of plays every week and was slow to acclimate to the Cowboys’ offense that had dozens more plays.
Brown suffered a Lisfranc sprain as a sophomore in 2015 and missed the year. During that time he gained a lot of weight—as he describes it—“some good, some bad.” The staff moved him to tight end. Brown eventually transferred to Texas State, finishing his career as a tight end.
Oklahoma State used Brown as an H-Back and slot receiver. Texas State did similar but also had Brown in the backfield and split wide.
Both teams only had Brown run a limited amount of routes during his career, including screens, crossing routes, over routes, pop passes up the seam, and occasional fade routes. He displays good acceleration running the over route. He uses an arm-over when he reaches the top of his stems against off-coverage defenders.
Brown catches the ball with a good catch radius.He has the concentration to secure an initially juggled target while a defender attempts to wrap him. He can catch the ball with appropriate hands technique for the location of
the target, and he tracks the ball effectively over his shoulder.
After the catch, Brown can make the first man miss when he’s in the middle of the field. He also displays an effective stiff-arm.
He has good movement with his hips and uses them to bend away from pursuit. He’s also agile enough to step over shots to his legs. Although agile, Brown lacks the speed and quickness to pull away from linebackers, much less most defensive backs.
His burst limits him to work in the short range of the field with occasional intermediate work against zone. Although Brown can make defenders miss, he doesn't break many wraps to his ankles.
Brown has skills as a blocker from the H-Back position. He takes the correct shoulder to turn an edge defender away from the pocket. He keeps his feet moving through contact with blocks until he turns a defender away from the ball carrier in the pocket or the open field. He can drive a man to the ground with his footwork and moving his hands to the appropritate leverage spot.
Brown is quick enough to work downhill to the second level of the defense, shield a defender or deliver a shove. He moves his feet with enough lateral quickness to mirror.
If he can use his hands better and deliver a good strike to initiate the contact, he’d be a compelling prospect as a blocker. However, he opens up his hips too early because he never has the advantage that the strike and his feet could provide him.
He’s strong enough to anchor a push by defensive backs and some weak side linebackers. Brown works his hands under his opponents’ pads and inside their arms with an uppercut motion, but it's not a punch and he doesn’t do it consistently enough.
He’s a capable backside blocker who can do some effective work against defensive ends. He has good height and position on opponents when he’s cut blocking.
Brown can set up an outside rusher and ride him outside the pocket with good quick feet. He will engage and turn a smaller defender with his mass in the open field as a stalk blocker. When winding back to the opposite side of the formation, he’s a capable cut blocker to the edge or in the crease.
Brown transitions from a push to lateral movement. He delivers shots with low pads when winding back to handle a defensive end. He also shows the strength and leverage to turn a defensive end—if that end is undersized.
Too often, Brown drops his head into contact when taking on a linebacker or safety. He’ll also have lapses of effort and drop a shoulder or throw an elbow instead of punching.
He must develop better footwork as a pass protector so he can maintain leverage and not get pushed back into the pocket by smaller defenders. Even his chips against defensive ends must get stronger.
Brown must improve his hand usage when blocking. He also must keep his head up when cut blocking so he can see his targets.
Brown has a chance to earn a role in a developmental league. More experience at a lower level may do him good.
Sokol has the physical dimensions of an every-down tight end, but his overall game isn’t tight enough to compete at the NFL level at this time. There are too many technical and conceptual gaps.
Sokol has an effective chop when working the seam against off coverage. He also can swipe a defender guarding him at the line of scrimmage. Sokol earns consistent placement with his hands. However, he tries to use brute force against off coverage with a direct approach rather than using his hands and working away from the opponent.
He’s most skilled working the play-action game under the guise of a blocker. Sokol uses his hands to engage defenders and then pass them off to his tackle so he can executed a delayed release to the flat. He displays effort to turn sideways and avoid defenders trying to attack him at the line so he’s available for the throw back.
Sokol earns proper route depth, but he turns his head before his breaks and tips off his movements. He’s not especially sudden and his hip mobility is lacking. Nothing about his route running is elusive or refined enough to beat man-to-man coverage.
Sokol’s hands are inconsistent. He has concentration drops because he fails to look the ball into his hands and then to his body. He also has difficulty winning passes when dealing with contact at the catch point.
When successful, Sokol attacks the ball at its earliest point. He also makes good extensions to targets and he’ll high-point passes and dig out low ones.
After the catch, Sokol lowers his pads and keeps his legs moving through direct contact. He covers the ball with both arms and carries it high but he could keep the elbows tighter to his frame.
Sokol has the quickness to earn the position necessary to seal the inside on pitches as part of a bunched look. He gets his hands into larger defenders and keeps his feet moving to stay with them laterally. He does this well against defensive ends and some linebackers.
He sustains his efforts with quick hands that continue working to maintain contact with good leverage. He’s big, quick, and technically-sound enough to drive outside linebackers and defensive backs off their spots.
Sokol moves well on sprint-outs and double-teams, peeling off his first assignment to the next. He’s also
quick enough to work across the formation and seal an opponent, but he doesn’t project to be fast enough to do the same in the NFL.
Sokol can punch with an uppercut, but doesn't get hips into it. He gets beaten to the punch by defensive ends.
He also lowers his head into assignments against larger defenders and overextends his frame.
Note: Times and measurements are from the NFL Combine or Pro Day workouts. “Potential” is my assessment of the player’s development curve based on the potential for the athlete to improve his strength and athleticism with additional training or learning the techniques and concepts of his position. Players labeled “Upside” have additional opportunities to become better athletes and/or technicians at their position. Players earning the “Boom-Bust” label generally have a high
level of athleticism but lack the knowledge of a skill or concept that could be difficult to learn. In some cases, these “Boom-
Bust” players have excellent skills and knowledge of concepts, but the base athleticism to perform the job might be
questionable and the chance of them improving those physical skills are not likely. A player with a “Maxed” label has likely reached his athletic (or conceptual) potential and this will limit his ability to grow beyond his current assessment.
One of the best all-around tight ends the RSP has evaluated. He'll produce in the passing game as a short and intermediate-range option with skill after the catch. He should earn a starting opportunity early in his career.
2
Irv Smith, Jr.
6'2"
242
Alabama
85.65
82.5
4.63
4.33
7.32
32.50
19
Add Smith to the list of top-rated tight ends since the RSP has been in publication. He's a better route runner than Hockenson as well as a skilled blocker. He could wind up the most productive receiver in this class.
3
Noah Fant
6'4"
249
Iowa
84.65
69.5
4.50
4.22
6.81
39.50
20
Fant isn't the blocker or route runner that Smith and Hockenson are but if used to his talents, his weaknesses won't be as prevalent--with the exception of his hands techniques that need extra work to prevent streaky play.
4
Jace Sternberger
6'4"
251
Texas A&M
82.9
80
4.75
4.31
7.19
31.50
N/A
Sternberger could become every bit as good as the first three options on this list. He's a rugged receiver and blocker who adjusts well to the football. His developmental trajectory is still on the upswing.
5
Dawson Knox
6'4"
254
Ole Miss
78.25
71
N/A
4.27
7.12
34.50
16
Because Knox caught 15 balls in 2018 and not much more the year prior, several teams are doing due diligence to make sure he catches as well as they saw at the NFL Combine. He does. He's also a skilled blocker from a variety of spots on the field.
6
Kahale Warring
6'5"
252
SDSU
77.25
72
4.67
4.25
7.21
36.50
19
Currently, Warring isn't as good as the three players behind him in this ranking. However, he has excellent developmental upside and enough baseline skill that it will warrant an earlier pick than his immediate usage will suggest.
7
Trevon Wesco
6'3"
267
West Virginia
74.85
75
4.89
4.38
7.18
31.00
24
Wesco is an RSP favorite. He's quicker than fast and he plays with violence as a blocker and a runner. He's agile for a player 30 pounds lighter. He's an underrated option who could become a productive short and intermediate receiver. Think Chris Cooley with size.
8
Foster Moreau
6'4"
253
LSU
73.2
68.5
4.66
4.11
7.16
36.50
22
Moreau is a couple of addressable fixes away from becoming a candidate for a starting job in the NFL. He's a good tight-coverage receiver with a nasty streak as a blocker.
9
Alize Mack
6'4"
249
Notre Dame
72.9
62
4.70
4.34
7.27
36.00
22
Mack is the most acrobatic receiver in the class but the easiest to tackle after the catch. He's the most likely option of the "limited" talents to become a productive NFL player.
10
Josh Oliver
6'4"
249
San Jose State
72.65
67.5
4.63
4.47
7.21
34.00
22
Oliver, like Mack, has a tremendous catch radius. He recently added weight and he's still a work in progress at the line of scrimmage.
Rank
Name
Ht
Wt
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
11
Caleb Wilson
6'4"
240
UCLA
71.45
74.5
4.56
4.40
7.20
29.00
N/A
Wilson has excellent speed, starter burst, and starter change of direction. He also has a high waist, runs stiffly, and his agility and change of direction quickness doesn't show up on the field. If these athletic deficiencies improve, Wilson could be a productive starter.
12
Kaden Smith
6'5"
255
Stanford
70.9
70
4.92
N/A
7.08
32.00
15
Smith is comfortable with physical play during his routes and at the catch point. He transitions well from receiver to runner and has some skill at the line of scrimmage. He doesn't appear athletic enough to become a starter.
13
Isaac Nauta
6'3"
244
Georgia
68.95
71.5
4.91
4.43
7.45
28.00
19
Nauta has limited athletic upside and it limits his range of viable routes--routes that slot receivers run better. He will help a team as a reserve and occasional contributor.
14
Tommy Sweeney
6'4"
251
Boston College
68.45
64.5
4.83
N/A
7.17
32.00
N/A
Sweeney would be in one of the top two tiers if he were a little more athletic.
15
Dax Raymond
6'4"
255
Utah State
68
69.5
4.73
4.39
7.15
32.00
15
Raymond has to show more as a route runner and blocker. He can catch and run. He can also work from the wing as an H-Back. He might develop into a contributor but he's unlikely earning an every- down job.
16
Zach Gentry
6'8"
265
Michigan
66.05
68.5
4.78
4.53
7.20
29.50
14
Gentry is a former quarterback learning the position. He's inconsistent with his pass catching and blocking but when it's clicking, he looks like a much better athlete. Right now, Gentry plays at a tempo that's about a half a step behind.
17
Drew Sample
6'4"
255
Washington
65.9
63
4.71
4.31
7.15
33.50
N/A
Sample is a good blocker and a competent receiver with limited range in the passing game.
18
Kendall Blanton
6'6"
262
MIssouri
60.5
67
4.95
4.42
7.37
31.00
22
Blanton has burst but he has trouble catching the ball.
19
Keenen Brown
6'2"
250
Texas State
59.8
64
4.75
4.51
7.27
33.00
17
Brown can catch and block in the capacity that he's used as an H-Back. His routes are limited and he lacks acceleration that could help him stretch the field more effectively.
20
Matt Sokol
6'6"
260
Michigan St.
52.45
51.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sokol has size but he's too inconsistent to earn playing time. If he makes a team, he'll be a developmental player.
21
Andrew Beck
6'3"
255
Texas
51.1
63.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A decent blocker who lacks acceleration and change-of-direction quickness.
Rank
Name
Ht
Wt
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
22
Micky Crum
6'4"
258
Louisville
49.7
56.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Crum makes sharp breaks and works back to the quarterback. He also lacks acceleration.
23
C.J. Conrad
6'4"
249
Kentucky
49.45
64
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An H-Back capable of plays in traffic, Conrad lacks a technically-sound strike as a blocker and he doesn't move well as a ball carrier.
24
Tyler Petite
6'4"
250
USC
48.75
49.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Petite lacks fluid movement as a blocker but he has excellent grip strength and can ragdoll larger opponents at the point of attack. His footwork and balance are lacking as a route runner and receiver.
TE (Depth of Talent) Rankings Without Projection Bonuses
The “Non-Adjusted” column is the Depth of Talent Score without projection bonuses baked into the total. If you’re judging the strength of this class on what they can do right now, the conclusion that it’s a weak class is right, but most of my projections for improvement are reasonable expectations, so I wouldn’t recommend using this table as a cheat sheet for your fantasy drafts. Still, it’s fascinating to see what I think about these players without projecting development into the analysis
Hockenson, Smith, Fant, Sternberger, and Knox remain at the top of this board, which is a sign of strong baseline skills.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non- Adjusted
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
1
T.J. Hockenson
6'4"
251
Iowa
76.2
86.7
79.5
4.70
4.18
7.02
37.50
17
One of the best all-around tight ends the RSP has evaluated. He'll produce in the passing game as a short and intermediate-range option with skill after the catch. He should earn a starting opportunity early in his career.
2
Irv Smith, Jr.
6'2"
242
Alabama
74.2
85.65
82.5
4.63
4.33
7.32
32.50
19
Add Smith to the list of top-rated tight ends since the RSP has been in publication. He's a better route runner than Hockenson as well as a skilled blocker. He could wind up the most productive receiver in this class.
3
Noah Fant
6'4"
249
Iowa
71.4
84.65
69.5
4.50
4.22
6.81
39.50
20
Fant isn't the blocker or route runner that Smith and Hockenson are but if used to his talents, his weaknesses won't be as prevalent--with the exception of his hands techniques that need extra work to prevent streaky play.
4
Jace Sternberger
6'4"
251
Texas A&M
71.4
82.9
80
4.75
4.31
7.19
31.50
N/A
Sternberger could become every bit as good as the first three options on this list. He's a rugged receiver and blocker who adjusts well to the football. His developmental trajectory is still on the upswing.
5
Dawson Knox
6'4"
254
Ole Miss
66.8
78.25
71
4.51
4.27
7.12
34.50
16
Because Knox caught 15 balls in 2018 and not much more the year prior, several teams are doing due diligence to make sure he catches as well as they saw at the NFL Combine. He does.
He's also a skilled blocker from a variety of spots on the field.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non-
Adjusted
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
6
Kahale Warring
6'5"
252
SDSU
65
77.25
72
4.67
4.25
7.21
36.50
19
Currently, Warring isn't as good as the three players behind him in this ranking. However, he has excellent developmental upside and enough baseline skill that it will warrant an earlier pick than his immediate usage will suggest.
7
Kaden Smith
6'5"
255
Stanford
65
70.9
70
4.92
N/A
7.08
32.00
15
Smith is comfortable with physical play during his routes and at the catch point. He transitions well from receiver to runner and has some skill at the line of scrimmage. He doesn't appear athletic enough to become a starter.
8
Caleb Wilson
6'4"
240
UCLA
63.7
71.45
74.5
4.56
4.40
7.20
29.00
N/A
Wilson has excellent speed, starter burst, and starter change of direction. He also has a high waist, runs stiffly, and his agility and change of direction quickness doesn't show up on the field. If these athletic deficiencies improve, Wilson could be a productive starter.
9
Alize Mack
6'4"
249
Notre Dame
63.5
72.9
62
4.70
4.34
7.27
36.00
22
Mack is the most acrobatic receiver in the class but the easiest to tackle after the catch. He's the most likely option of the "limited" talents to become a productive NFL player.
10
Foster Moreau
6'4"
253
LSU
63
73.2
68.5
4.66
4.11
7.16
36.50
22
Moreau is a couple of addressable fixes away from becoming a candidate for a starting job in the NFL. He's a good tight-coverage receiver with a nasty streak as a blocker.
11
Trevon Wesco
6'3"
267
West Virginia
61.5
74.85
75
4.89
4.38
7.18
31.00
24
Wesco is an RSP favorite. He's quicker than fast and he plays with violence as a blocker and a runner. He's agile for a player 30 pounds lighter. He's an underrated option who could become a productive short and intermediate receiver. Think Chris Cooley with size.
12
Josh Oliver
6'4"
249
San Jose State
60.8
72.65
67.5
4.63
4.47
7.21
34.00
22
Oliver, like Mack, has a tremendous catch radius. He recently added weight and he's still a work in progress at the line of scrimmage.
13
Isaac Nauta
6'3"
244
Georgia
59.6
68.95
71.5
4.91
4.43
7.45
28.00
19
Nauta has limited athletic upside and it limits his range of viable routes--routes that slot receivers run better. He will help a team as a reserve and occasional contributor.
14
Drew Sample
6'4"
255
Washington
59.6
65.9
63
4.71
4.31
7.15
33.50
N/A
Sample is a good blocker and a competent receiver with limited range in the passing game.
15
Tommy Sweeney
6'4"
251
Boston College
59.5
68.45
64.5
4.83
N/A
7.17
32.00
N/A
Sweeney would be in one of the top two tiers if he were a little more athletic.
16
Dax Raymond
6'4"
255
Utah State
58.9
68
69.5
4.73
4.39
7.15
32.00
15
Raymond has to show more as a route runner and blocker. He can catch and run. He can also work from the wing as an H-Back. He might develop into a contributor but he's unlikely earning an every-down job.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Non-
Adjusted
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
17
Zach Gentry
6'8"
265
Michigan
52.6
66.05
68.5
4.78
4.53
7.20
29.50
14
Gentry is a former quarterback learning the position. He's inconsistent with his pass catching and blocking but when it's clicking; he looks like a much better athlete. Right now, Gentry plays at a tempo that's about a half a step behind.
18
Keenen Brown
6'2"
250
Texas State
51.1
59.8
64
4.75
4.51
7.27
33.00
17
Brown can catch and block in the capacity that he's used as an H-Back. His routes are limited and he lacks acceleration that could help him stretch the field more effectively.
19
Kendall Blanton
6'6"
262
Missouri
50.8
60.5
67
4.95
4.42
7.37
31.00
22
Blanton has burst but he has trouble catching the ball.
20
Andrew Beck
6'3"
255
Texas
44.8
51.1
63.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A decent blocker who lacks acceleration and change-of-direction quickness.
21
C.J. Conrad
6'4"
249
Kentucky
44.6
49.45
64
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An H-Back capable of plays in traffic, Conrad lacks a technically-sound strike as a blocker and he doesn't move well as a ball carrier.
22
Micky Crum
6'4"
258
Louisville
43.4
49.7
56.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Crum makes sharp breaks and works back to the quarterback. He also lacks acceleration.
23
Matt Sokol
6'6"
260
Michigan St.
43.4
52.45
51.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sokol has size but he's too inconsistent to earn playing time. If he makes a team, he'll be a developmental player.
24
Tyler Petite
6'4"
250
USC
40.9
48.75
49.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Petite lacks fluid movement as a blocker but he has excellent grip strength and can ragdoll larger opponents at the point of attack. His footwork and balance are lacking as a route runner and receiver.
TE Comparisons Table
Note: In theory, player comparisons are a reader-friendly way to get a clearer mental picture of a player’s physical build, athleticism, technical skills, and potential. In practice, this is a hit-or-miss process that, at the very least, is an entertaining exercise. Each “-“ is an approximate level of separation between one player’s talent and the next. The key word is “talent,” because there are some players with lesser careers listed ahead of more famous or productive peers. This is my subjective interpretation of talent and not success. For example, in the running back section a few years ago, I had LaMont Jordan ahead of Chester Taylor on a spectrum of comparison for a runner on the RB list. Taylor had arguably had the better career, but I believe Jordan had star caliber potential that Taylor lacked.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
1
T.J. Hockenson
6'4"
251
Iowa
86.7
79.5
4.70
4.18
7.02
37.50
17
George Kittle-X-Dennis Pitta
2
Irv Smith, Jr.
6'2"
242
Alabama
85.65
82.5
4.63
4.33
7.32
32.50
19
Delanie Walker/X
3
Noah Fant
6'4"
249
Iowa
84.65
69.5
4.50
4.22
6.81
39.50
20
X-Evan Engram
4
Jace Sternberger
6'4"
251
Texas A&M
82.9
80
4.75
4.31
7.19
31.50
N/A
Travis Kelce-Greg Olsen-X
5
Dawson Knox
6'4"
254
Ole Miss
78.25
71
4.51
4.27
7.12
34.50
16
Jason Witten-X
6
Kahale Warring
6'5"
252
SDSU
77.25
72
4.67
4.25
7.21
36.50
19
Zach Ertz--X
7
Trevon Wesco
6'3"
267
West Virginia
74.85
75
4.89
4.38
7.18
31.00
24
Chris Cooley-X-Justice Cunningham
8
Foster Moreau
6'4"
253
LSU
73.2
68.5
4.66
4.11
7.16
36.50
22
Owen Daniels-X
9
Alize Mack
6'4"
249
Notre Dame
72.9
62
4.70
4.34
7.27
36.00
22
Dallas Clark--X
10
Josh Oliver
6'4"
249
San Jose State
72.65
67.5
4.63
4.47
7.21
34.00
22
Trey Burton-X/Ricky Seals-Jones
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
11
Caleb Wilson
6'4"
240
UCLA
71.45
74.5
4.56
4.40
7.20
29.00
N/A
Todd Christensen-X
12
Kaden Smith
6'5"
255
Stanford
70.9
70
4.92
N/A
7.08
32.00
15
Daniel Fells-X
13
Isaac Nauta
6'3"
244
Georgia
68.95
71.5
4.91
4.43
7.45
28.00
19
Randy McMichael-Mark Andrews-X
14
Tommy Sweeney
6'4"
251
Boston College
68.45
64.5
4.83
N/A
7.17
32.00
N/A
Anthony Fasano-Jim Dray/X
15
Dax Raymond
6'4"
255
Utah State
68
69.5
4.73
4.39
7.15
32.00
15
Travis Kelce--X
16
Zach Gentry
6'8"
265
Michigan
66.05
68.5
4.78
4.53
7.20
29.50
14
Scott Chandler-X
17
Drew Sample
6'4"
255
Washington
65.9
63
4.71
4.31
7.15
33.50
N/A
Todd Heap--X
18
Kendall Blanton
6'6"
262
Missouri
60.5
67
4.95
4.42
7.37
31.00
22
Ed Dickson
19
Keenen Brown
6'2"
250
Texas State
59.8
64
4.75
4.51
7.27
33.00
17
Alge Crumpler--X
20
Matt Sokol
6'6"
260
Michigan St.
52.45
51.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
Andrew Beck
6'3"
255
Texas
51.1
63.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22
Micky Crum
6'4"
258
Louisville
49.7
56.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comparison
23
C.J. Conrad
6'4"
249
Kentucky
49.45
64
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Dalton Schultz-X
24
Tyler Petite
6'4"
250
USC
48.75
49.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Overall Tight End Rankings Sorted by Breadth of Talent
A position on a football field is a job. The criteria the RSP uses for its checklist are a broad range of job requirements that encompass a spectrum of things a player may be asked to perform with a team. Few teams require a player to fulfill every requirement.
It’s common that a successful contributor in an offense is competent in 65-75 percent of this range of tasks. In some cases, a player is only asked to perform half of these requirements and he’s still a major asset to the offense.
The broader the player’s breadth of talent, the more likely he’ll find a fit with a team doing something: special teams, sub package work, or specialized work as a starter. Depth of talent plays a role in that outcome.
The table below is sorted by Breadth of Talent, but the ranking in the first column is based on Depth of Talent Scores so you can cross reference the data. This score could serve as my projection of the likelihood that each player will find a job and build a career in the NFL (as long as the athletic ability passes muster).
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
1
Irv Smith, Jr.
6'2"
242
Alabama
85.65
82.5
4.63
4.33
7.32
32.50
19
Add Smith to the list of top-rated tight ends since the RSP has been in publication. He's a better route runner than Hockenson as well as a skilled blocker. He could wind up the most productive receiver in this class.
2
Jace Sternberger
6'4"
251
Texas A&M
82.9
80
4.75
4.31
7.19
31.50
N/A
Sternberger could become every bit as good as the first three options on this list. He's a rugged receiver and blocker who adjusts well to the football. His developmental trajectory is still on the upswing.
3
T.J. Hockenson
6'4"
251
Iowa
86.7
79.5
4.70
4.18
7.02
37.50
17
One of the best all-around tight ends the RSP has evaluated. He'll produce in the passing game as a short and intermediate-range option with skill after the catch. He should earn a starting opportunity early in his career.
4
Trevon Wesco
6'3"
267
West Virginia
74.85
75
4.89
4.38
7.18
31.00
24
Wesco is an RSP favorite. He's quicker than fast and he plays with violence as a blocker and a runner. He's agile for a player 30 pounds lighter. He's an underrated option who could become a productive short and intermediate receiver. Think Chris Cooley with size.
5
Caleb Wilson
6'4"
240
UCLA
71.45
74.5
4.56
4.40
7.20
29.00
N/A
Wilson has excellent speed, starter burst, and starter change of direction. He also has a high waist, runs stiffly, and his agility and change of direction quickness doesn't show up on the field. If these athletic deficiencies improve, Wilson could be a productive starter.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
6
Kahale Warring
6'5"
252
SDSU
77.25
72
4.67
4.25
7.21
36.50
19
Currently, Warring isn't as good as the three players behind him in this ranking. However, he has excellent developmental upside and enough baseline skill that it will warrant an earlier pick than his immediate usage will suggest.
7
Isaac Nauta
6'3"
244
Georgia
68.95
71.5
4.91
4.43
7.45
28.00
19
Nauta has limited athletic upside and it limits his range of viable routes--routes that slot receivers run better. He will help a team as a reserve and occasional contributor.
8
Dawson Knox
6'4"
254
Ole Miss
78.25
71
4.51
4.27
7.12
34.50
16
Because Knox caught 15 balls in 2018 and not much more the year prior, several teams are doing due diligence to make sure he catches as well as they saw at the NFL Combine. He does. He's also a skilled blocker from a variety of spots on the field.
9
Kaden Smith
6'5"
255
Stanford
70.9
70
4.92
N/A
7.08
32.00
15
Smith is comfortable with physical play during his routes and at the catch point. He transitions well from receiver to runner and has some skill at the line of scrimmage. He doesn't appear athletic enough to become a starter.
10
Noah Fant
6'4"
249
Iowa
84.65
69.5
4.50
4.22
6.81
39.50
20
Fant isn't the blocker or route runner that Smith and Hockenson are but if used to his talents, his weaknesses won't be as prevalent--with the exception of his hands techniques that need extra work to prevent streaky play.
11
Dax Raymond
6'4"
255
Utah State
68
69.5
4.73
4.39
7.15
32.00
15
Raymond has to show more as a route runner and blocker. He can catch and run. He can also work from the wing as an H-Back. He might develop into a contributor but he's unlikely earning an every-down job.
12
Foster Moreau
6'4"
253
LSU
73.2
68.5
4.66
4.11
7.16
36.50
22
Moreau is a couple of addressable fixes away from becoming a candidate for a starting job in the NFL. He's a good tight-coverage receiver with a nasty streak as a blocker.
13
Zach Gentry
6'8"
265
Michigan
66.05
68.5
4.78
4.53
7.20
29.50
14
Gentry is a former quarterback learning the position. He's inconsistent with his pass catching and blocking but when it's clicking; he looks like a much better athlete.
Right now, Gentry plays at a tempo that's about a half a step behind.
14
Josh Oliver
6'4"
249
San Jose State
72.65
67.5
4.63
4.47
7.21
34.00
22
Oliver, like Mack, has a tremendous catch radius. He recently added weight and he's still a work in progress at the line of scrimmage.
15
Kendall Blanton
6'6"
262
Missouri
60.5
67
4.95
4.42
7.37
31.00
22
Blanton has burst but he has trouble catching the ball.
16
Tommy Sweeney
6'4"
251
Boston College
68.45
64.5
4.83
N/A
7.17
32.00
N/A
Sweeney would be in one of the top two tiers if he were a little more athletic.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
17
Keenen Brown
6'2"
250
Texas State
59.8
64
4.75
4.51
7.27
33.00
17
Brown can catch and block in the capacity that he's used as an H-Back. His routes are limited and he lacks acceleration that could help him stretch the field more effectively.
18
C.J. Conrad
6'4"
249
Kentucky
49.45
64
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An H-Back capable of plays in traffic, Conrad lacks a technically-sound strike as a blocker and he doesn't move well as a ball carrier.
19
Andrew Beck
6'3"
255
Texas
51.1
63.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A decent blocker who lacks acceleration and change-of- direction quickness.
20
Drew Sample
6'4"
255
Washington
65.9
63
4.71
4.31
7.15
33.50
N/A
Sample is a good blocker and a competent receiver with limited range in the passing game.
21
Alize Mack
6'4"
249
Notre Dame
72.9
62
4.70
4.34
7.27
36.00
22
Mack is the most acrobatic receiver in the class but the easiest to tackle after the catch. He's the most likely option of the "limited" talents to become a productive NFL player.
22
Micky Crum
6'4"
258
Louisville
49.7
56.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Crum makes sharp breaks and works back to the quarterback. He also lacks acceleration.
23
Matt Sokol
6'6"
260
Michigan St.
52.45
51.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sokol has size but he's too inconsistent to earn playing time. If he makes a team, he'll be a developmental player.
24
Tyler Petite
6'4"
250
USC
48.75
49.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Petite lacks fluid movement as a blocker but he has excellent grip strength and can ragdoll larger opponents at the point of attack. His footwork and balance are lacking as a route runner and receiver.
TE (Depth of Talent) Rankings 2017-2019
This list of 62 tight end prospects from the past three years is sorted by depth of talent. It is not an updated ranking, but rather, a look at how I would have seen these players from the same starting point as prospects without a team prior to the draft. Think of the list as one solely about grading talent and not landing spot, scheme, or how the player performed in the NFL.
The long-term, aspirational goal of this combined list will be to develop a workable score that has some value across draft classes. Because the RSP’s process is built on continuous improvement, adjustments to the scoring criteria will make this aspirational goal difficult to attain over the course of the next few years.
The realistic goal of this combined list is entertainment value and a starting point for the reader to conduct research on his own that may proof helpful for fantasy leagues. Here are possible ways this list may help:
A combined present and short-term historical perspective on the value of players and draft picks at the position.
Perspective on emerging, unproven, or declining players (helpful for formulating trade value).
A short-term historical perspective with physical and athletic measurements.
An updated three-year rankingbased on how I see these players heading into the 2018 season will be available in the RSP Post-Draft Publication.
Note: I suggest beginning your examination using tiers by Depth of Talent Score and demarcate the tiers by 10 points:
Tier 1: 90-100
Tier 2: 80-89
Tier 3: 70-79
Tier 4: 60-69
Focus more on the range these players fall rather than the linear order.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
1
T.J. Hockenson
6'4"
251
Iowa
86.7
79.5
4.70
4.18
7.02
37.50
17
One of the best all-around tight ends the RSP has evaluated. He'll produce in the passing game as a short and intermediate-range option with skill after the catch. He should earn a starting opportunity early in his career.
2
Irv Smith, Jr.
6'2"
242
Alabama
85.65
82.5
4.63
4.33
7.32
32.50
19
Add Smith to the list of top-rated tight ends since the RSP has been in publication. He's a better route runner than Hockenson as well as a skilled blocker. He could wind up the most productive receiver in this class.
3
Noah Fant
6'4"
249
Iowa
84.65
69.5
4.50
4.22
6.81
39.50
20
Fant isn't the blocker or route runner that Smith and Hockenson are but if used to his talents, his weaknesses won't be as prevalent--with the exception of his hands techniques that need extra work to prevent streaky play.
4
Jace Sternberger
6'4"
251
Texas A&M
82.9
80
4.75
4.31
7.19
31.50
N/A
Sternberger could become every bit as good as the first three options on this list. He's a rugged receiver and blocker who adjusts well to the football. His developmental trajectory is still on the upswing.
5
O.J. Howard
6'6"
255
Alabama
82
74.5
4.51
4.16
6.85
39
22
The best all-around tight end on the board, Howard is the best "real football" tight end prospect in terms of blocking and potentially what he can do as a receiver. But Alabama didn't use him as the receiver he might become.
As odd as it seems, there's some risk attached to expecting greatness from him.
6
David Njoku
6'4"
246
Miami
81.85
74
4.64
4.34
6.97
37.5
21
Njoku is a better receiver now than Howard and should close the gap well as a blocker that he can maintain this spot 3 years from now.
7
Bucky Hodges
6'6"
257
Virginia Tech
81.3
63
4.57
4.45
N/A
39
18
Hodges is the best receiving tight end in this class and definitely the past two, if not three classes. If using a downfield option, he's better than the other two if you don't need him as primary blocker. If designated a wide receiver, he'll be No.3 on the RSP's WR board.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
8
Cethan Carter
6'3"
241
Nebraska
81.25
76
4.68
N/A
N/A
N/A
19
You won't draft him as the No.4 TE, but he has underrated skill as a route runner and receiver. He could surprise as a good starter capable of more than what he did at Nebraska.
9
Evan Engram
6'3"
234
Ole Miss
81.05
70.5
4.42
4.23
6.92
36
19
You can rearrange Nos. 2-5 on this board and I'd have little to argue about. It's all about what a team is seeking and how these players match up. If a team designates Engram as a WR, he'll be the No.4 option on the RSP's WR board.
10
Dallas Goedert
6'5"
256
S. Dakota State
80.1
78.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
23
Goedert has more upside as an every-down player than Gesicki, but he may not be excused from blocking as often. It might slow his overall development but his toughness at the catch point gives him upside for situational use.
11
Adam Shaheen
6'6"
278
Ashland
78.4
71.5
4.79
4.38
7.09
32.5
24
Shaheen could have a career on par with the top prospects in this class. He can be too stiff at the line of scrimmage, but he's a fluid receiver. As long as he's not reduced to a situational talent due to his stiffness as a blocker, he has every-down upside with big-play ability in a huge frame.
12
Dawson Knox
6'4"
254
Ole Miss
78.25
71
4.51
4.27
7.12
34.50
16
Because Knox caught 15 balls in 2018 and not much more the year prior, several teams are doing its due diligence to make sure he catches as well as they saw at the NFL Combine. He does. He's also a skilled blocker from a variety of spots on the field.
13
Gerald Everett
6'3"
239
South Alabama
78.15
69
4.62
4.33
6.99
37.5
22
Everett is a physical blocker and runner, and he's a smooth vertical receiver. If he refines his routes, he'll thrive with an offense that exploits his receiving prowess.
14
Jeremy Sprinkle
6'5"
252
Arkansas
78.05
79.5
4.69
N/A
N/A
29
N/A
Sprinkle lacks the upside of the first seven prospects, but he could wind up with the steadiest career in the NFL. He's a sound blocker, a solid receiver, and a good enough runner that annual stats of 60-600-6 could be his standard during the peak years of his NFL career.
15
Kahale Warring
6'5"
252
SDSU
77.25
72
4.67
4.25
7.21
36.50
19
Currently, Warring isn't as good as the three players behind him in this ranking. However, he has excellent developmental upside and enough baseline skill that it will warrant an earlier pick than his immediate usage will suggest.
16
Mike Gesicki
6'5"
247
Penn State
77
72.5
4.54
4.1
6.76
41.5
22
Gesicki would have been in the lower half of last year's Top 10 tight ends. He's a terrific athlete whose skills do not fully translate to his game. A boom-bust upside player.
17
Hayden Hurst
6'4"
250
South Carolina
74.95
75
4.67
4.37
7.19
31.5
N/A
Hurst is probably the safest fantasy option of the top three options. He may need 1-2 years to earn a starting role, but he's a seam stretcher with skill after the catch and potential to become at least competent in the run game as a backside blocker or wing back.
18
Trevon Wesco
6'3"
267
West Virginia
74.85
75
4.89
4.38
7.18
31.00
24
Wesco is an RSP favorite. He's quicker than fast and he plays with violence as a blocker and a runner. He's agile for a player 30 pounds lighter. He's an underrated option who could become a productive short and intermediate receiver. Think Chris Cooley with size.
19
Jordan Leggett
6'5"
258
Clemson
74.7
78.5
N/A
4.33
7.12
33
18
At his best against zone coverage as an underneath guy, Leggett is a reliable option with upside as a blocker. He'll either have a 12-year career as a low-end TE1 based on volume, or he'll be out of the league in 3-4 years.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
20
Jaylen Samuels
5'11"
225
NC State
73.9
54.5
4.54
4.28
6.93
34.5
18
If Samuels finds a team that can unlock his versatility with its scheme, he could become an unusual type of hybrid option with strong production. More likely, he'll be the next James Casey. Even so, this spot is a reflection of what could be.
21
Tyler Conklin
6'3"
254
C. Michigan
73.45
79
4.8
4.23
7.13
38
18
A talented receiver and route runner whose quickness and technique helps him win all over the field, Conklin will likely have a late-round grade. Don't be surprised if he earns playing time in a year or two.
22
Foster Moreau
6'4"
253
LSU
73.2
68.5
4.66
4.11
7.16
36.50
22
Moreau is a couple of addressable fixes away from becoming a candidate for a starting job in the NFL. He's a good tight-coverage receiver with a nasty streak as a blocker.
23
Alize Mack
6'4"
249
Notre Dame
72.9
62
4.70
4.34
7.27
36.00
22
Mack is the most acrobatic receiver in the class but the easiest to tackle after the catch. He's the most likely option of the "limited" talents to become a productive NFL player.
24
Michael Roberts
6'4"
270
Toledo
72.7
77.5
4.86
4.51
7.05
30
N/A
A big, strong tight end with soft hands and fluid body control. He could develop into a reliable red zone threat despite limited upside as an every-down option.
25
Durham Smythe
6'5"
253
Notre Dame
72.7
75.5
4.81
4.23
7.17
31
18
A good blocker and skilled at the catch-point, Smythe is a safe prospect who won't excite but will contribute situationally for a long time.
26
Josh Oliver
6'4"
249
San Jose State
72.65
67.5
4.63
4.47
7.21
34.00
22
Oliver, like Mack, has a tremendous catch radius. He recently added weight and he's still a work in progress at the line of scrimmage.
27
Eric Saubert
6'5"
253
Drake
72.3
86
N/A
N/A
N/A
33
22
He has a reputation for bad hand-eye coordination and drops. I didn't see enough film to prove that assessment.
The exposures I saw indicated exactly the opposite.
28
Jordan Akins
6'3"
249
UCF
72.15
75.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Akins has starter upside as an athlete and pass catcher.
His blocking needs time. If he develops faster than expected, he could become an offensive focal point.
29
Ricky Seals-Jones
6'5"
243
Texas A&M
71.7
72.5
4.69
4.33
7.46
28
17
If Seals-Jones applies himself, he has the talent to become a Leggett-like option with greater upside
30
Ryan Izzo
6'5"
256
FSU
71.65
86
4.94
4.43
7.15
33
18
He’s a better NFL tight end than fantasy tight end. But he may be on the field more often than the guys with more promise as receivers. Izzo's hands are good but he's not a dynamic receiving weapon.
31
Caleb Wilson
6'4"
240
UCLA
71.45
74.5
4.56
4.40
7.20
29.00
N/A
Wilson has excellent speed, starter burst, and starter change of direction. He also has a high waist, runs stiffly, and his agility and change of direction quickness doesn't show up on the field. If these athletic deficiencies improve, Wilson could be a productive starter.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
32
Ryan Malleck
6'4"
247
VA Tech
71.4
74
N/A
4.33
7
34.5
18
Malleck should have a long NFL career because he's a versatile blocker and a reliable receiver. He's one of those players who quietly make good plays in the trenches, in the flats, and occasionally busts loose up the seam. He projects as a second tight end on the field for a run- heavy team or a reserve that sees productive time in short-yardage packages. If asked to start, he'll play well enough to keep the team satisfied with him on their
depth chart.
33
Kaden Smith
6'5"
255
Stanford
70.9
70
4.92
N/A
7.08
32.00
15
Smith is comfortable with physical play during his routes and at the catch point. He transitions well from receiver to runner and has some skill at the line of scrimmage. He doesn't appear athletic enough to become a starter.
34
Mark Andrews
6'5"
256
Oklahoma
70.35
64
4.67
4.38
7.34
31
17
If Andrews finds a fit in a spread offense that values him more than a slot receiver, he could deliver starter production. Otherwise, he better improve as a blocker.
35
Troy Fumagalli
6'5"
247
Wisconsin
70.15
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14
Fumagalli wrung every ounce of athletic ability from his frame to become a fine college player. Is there anything left for the NFL?
36
Ian Thomas
6'4"
259
Indiana
69.6
53.5
4.74
4.2
7.15
36
N/A
He'll be higher on other lists because his athletic profile is decent and he's a fluid player with receiving potential. I agree with the upside, but he has work to do as a blocker to see the field.
37
Isaac Nauta
6'3"
244
Georgia
68.95
71.5
4.91
4.43
7.45
28.00
19
Nauta has limited athletic upside and it limits his range of viable routes--routes that slot receivers run better. He will help a team as a reserve and occasional contributor.
38
Tommy Sweeney
6'4"
251
Boston College
68.45
64.5
4.83
N/A
7.17
32.00
N/A
Sweeney would be in one of the top two tiers if he were a little more athletic.
39
Dalton Schultz
6'5"
244
Stanford
68.4
75
4.75
4.4
7
32
15
If I weighted my evaluations towards all-around tight end play, Schultz would be higher on this list. He's an excellent blocker. His routes are predictable and he some kinds to work out with tracking low targets.
40
Pharaoh Brown
6'6"
255
Oregon
68.3
71
4.78
4.47
N/A
34
24
Brown is a tall and smooth athlete still recovering from a leg injury that nearly cost him the limb. He has a chance to stick as a reserve.
41
Jake Butt
6'5"
246
Michigan
68.2
74
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Butt is recovering from an ACL tear. He's a good zone player with upside as an edge blocker. He's a situational H-Back candidate.
42
Dax Raymond
6'4"
255
Utah State
68
69.5
4.73
4.39
7.15
32.00
15
Raymond has to show more as a route runner and blocker. He can catch and run. He can also work from the wing as an H-Back. He might develop into a contributor but he's unlikely earning an every-down job.
43
Phazahn Odom
6'8"
245
Fordham
67.15
79
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Odom flashes starter tight end upside as a receiver, but his hand position needs work and he's working with a thin frame. Blocking has potential, but needs a lot more work.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
44
Scott Orndoff
6'5"
253
Pittsburgh
66.15
66.5
4.84
4.45
7.37
27
17
Orndoff suffered a knee injury early in his career and he doesn't look like the same athlete. He still could stick if the issue that has diminished his athletic ability isn't a liability for greater injury and missed time.
45
Zach Gentry
6'8"
265
Michigan
66.05
68.5
4.78
4.53
7.20
29.50
14
Gentry is a former quarterback learning the position. He's inconsistent with his pass catching and blocking but when it's clicking, he looks like a much better athlete. Right now, Gentry plays at a tempo that's about a half a step behind.
46
Drew Sample
6'4"
255
Washington
65.9
63
4.71
4.31
7.15
33.50
N/A
Sample is a good blocker and a competent receiver with limited range in the passing game.
47
Billy Brown
6'4"
255
Shepherd
64.95
74.5
4.7
N/A
N/A
29
23
Brown played wide receiver and weighed 241 pounds before the NFL Combine. He can catch and run with the ball, but blocking is a big unknown.
48
Christopher Herndon IV
6'4"
253
Miami
64.7
69
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21
He can catch, run, and block. If his route running becomes as promising as his blocking, he might develop into a starter.
49
Jordan Thomas
6'5"
265
Mississippi St.
64.25
61.5
4.74
4.75
7.5
27
16
Thomas was a JUCO star at TE that played a lot of WR at Mississippi St. He teases all-star potential, but it will take a lot for him to be more than a tease. Intriguing nonetheless.
50
Adam Breneman
6'4"
250
UMass
64.05
66.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Retired due to a knee injury that cost him at Penn State and resurfaced. Was clearly a limited player at times last year.
51
Darion Griswold
6'5"
265
Ark St.
63.45
56.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Griswold has some work to do with delivering punches and refining breaks. If he succeeds, he's graceful at the catch-point and punishing as a ball carrier. He's another patience play as long as you keep expectations low.
52
Jonnu Smith
6'3"
248
FIU
62.15
52
4.62
4.18
N/A
38
22
Smith is a strong runner after the catch and he has skill to track the ball. Drops are a problem, and he has to expand his overall game before he can become an every- down tight end.
53
Darrell Daniels
6'3"
247
Washington
60.6
57
4.55
4.47
7.09
32
17
Daniels has starter athletic ability and he has skill as a receiver, route runner, and blocker. However, he lacks consistency and can lose focus when he makes a mistake.
Special teams may be his best hope early on.
54
Kendall Blanton
6'6"
262
Missouri
60.5
67
4.95
4.42
7.37
31.00
22
Blanton has burst but he has trouble catching the ball.
55
Keenen Brown
6'2"
250
Texas State
59.8
64
4.75
4.51
7.27
33.00
17
Brown can catch and block in the capacity that he's used as an H-Back. His routes are limited and he lacks acceleration that could help him stretch the field more effectively.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
56
Will Dissly
6'4'
262
Washington
59.25
57.5
4.87
4.4
7.07
28
15
A converted defensive end, Dissly's more promising as a blocker at this stage, but his short-area quickness and hands are good enough to contribute as an outlet receiver.
57
Blake Jarwin
6'5"
246
Oklahoma State
59.25
49.5
4.76
N/A
N/A
34.5
21
Jarwin could develop into a reliable reserve and special team’s option. He lacks top-end athletic ability of a
starter, but it’s good enough to contribute.
58
DeAndre Goolsby
6'4"
244
Florida
57.2
58.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Goolsby has potential in the receiving game. He'll need to develop as a blocker to earn a shot at contributing. He'll be fighting for a spot on a futures list.
59
David Grinnage
6'5"
248
N.C. State
55.2
4.9
N/A
N/A
29.5
N/A
Grinnage catches the ball well, but he needs help from his offense to get open beyond 15 yards. His experience as a blocker and route runner has been limited by his role in the N.C. State offense as mostly a slot receiver.
60
Marcus Baugh
6'3"
247
Ohio State
54.75
67.5
4.81
4.51
7.28
33
N/A
He’s fluid enough to earn a shot, but too clunky to earn a starting role. Baugh is a competent prospect who could fight for a reserve role if he performs well on special teams.
61
Ya’Keem Griner
6'4"
235
FIU
54.7
61
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
If Griner can add the weight, he's a borderline-excellent receiver who could hold up in the trenches. Right now he's willing and, technique-wise, able. But that's not good enough for the NFL. An intriguing athlete to keep tabs on.
62
Cam Serigne
6'3"
250
Wake Forest
54.2
57
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Has some skill as a blocker and short-range receiver but may not be athletic enough to ride the NFL ride--even as a reserve.
63
Matt Sokol
6'6"
260
Michigan St.
52.45
51.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Sokol has size but he's too inconsistent to earn playing time. If he makes a team, he'll be a developmental player.
64
George Kittle
6'4"
247
Iowa
52.25
51
4.52
N/A
N/A
35
18
Kittle can catch, run, and block on the edge. He's not a dynamic player with the ball in his hands and his routes need work.
65
Andrew Beck
6'3"
255
Texas
51.1
63.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A decent blocker who lacks acceleration and change-of- direction quickness.
66
Metuisela 'Unga
6'4"
252
Hawaii
50.55
48
4.84
4.61
7.27
33
16
A red zone specialist with flashes as a blocker, Unga’s a converted receiver who will need to prove he's a late bloomer as an athlete to stick with a roster. If he does, he's a longshot patience play.
67
David Wells
6'6"
246
San Diego St.
50.35
58
4.75
4.59
7.5
33
20
A blocker with decent hands but limited athletic ability that might make special teams his upside in the NFL.
Rank
Name
Ht.
Wt.
School
Depth
Breadth
40
20
3C
V
B
Comments
68
Micky Crum
6'4"
258
Louisville
49.7
56.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Crum makes sharp breaks and works back to the quarterback. He also lacks acceleration.
69
C.J. Conrad
6'4"
249
Kentucky
49.45
64
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
An H-Back capable of plays in traffic, Conrad lacks a technically-sound strike as a blocker and he doesn't move well as a ball carrier.
70
Tyler Petite
6'4"
250
USC
48.75
49.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Petite lacks fluid movement as a blocker but he has excellent grip strength and can ragdoll larger opponents at the point of attack. His footwork and balance are lacking as a route runner and receiver.
71
Johnny Mundt
6'4"
245
Oregon
48.35
54
4.74
4.22
N/A
30
N/A
Mundt is a straight-line player with limited route running experience in the Oregon offense. He has some speed after the catch.
72
Eric Tomlinson
6’6”
263
UTEP
41.2
60
4.99
4.54
7.46
30.5
19
Tomlinson has a good pair of mitts and the size of an every-down TE. He's also a slow, lumbering athlete compared to most NFL starters at the position who also catch the ball.
73
Nathan Marcus
6'5"
242
Vanderbilt
41.1
42.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A fluid tight end lacking top-shelf quickness, Marcus is neither a strong enough blocker nor receiver to have a great shot for the NFL.
74
Danny Friend
6'5"
265
Indiana
40.65
31
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Mobility appeared diminished after knee injuries that ended his 2014 and 2015 seasons.
75
Joshua Perkins
6'4"
226
Washington
40.05
51.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Perkins had a limited role at Washington and a lot of work he did was more in the realm of a slot receiver, but I didn't see the athletic ability to qualify him as such. He was a helpful role player for his college, but I believe that's where his career ends.
76
Ethan Wolf
6'6"
258
Tennessee
38.65
42
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
His inconsistency as a blocker and receiver drops his overall grade, but he has the base talent to compete for a roster spot. The consistency must improve to hold onto one.
77
Cole Hikutini
6'4"
247
Louisville
37.3
47
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
20
Hikutini did most of his work as a wing back and outlet receiver.
RSP Glossary Introduction
The Rookie Scouting Portfolio evaluates and projects a player’s on-field ability based on athletic, technical, and conceptual skill. The RSP’s evaluation process uses two measurements of these skills to determine a player’s potential: Breadth of Talent (the checklist) and Depth of Talent (stack scores).
When a player earns a strong checklist score, he possesses a wide range of skills associated with his position, meeting baseline NFL expectations. Former Lions running back Joique Bell wasn’t a superstar, but he possessed a broad skill set as a runner, receiver, and blocker and had a strong checklist score.
A player with a strong stack score isn’t always a complete player. He may not be as proficient at everything an NFL team could ideally expect from the position, but he may have a specific skill set that positions him for success with the proper system fit. Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham doesn’t offer a wide range of skills associated with the traditionally defined roles of the position, but what he does well makes him a star. Breadth of Talent and Depth of Talent will be explained in greater detail in the next section.
The criteria defining these processes is noted in a glossary at the end of the publication. Each criteria point in the glossary is clearly defined and assigned a point value. Both processes are scored on a 100-point grading scale.
The glossary groups related skill criteria into broader, more defined categories. These categories are cumulatively graded, but used solely as display for public interest and not for analysis within the RSP.
NFL players lack a complete toolbox of skills and athletic talents more often than you would think. Productive players— even some Pro Bowl-caliber players—thrive without a full complement of position-based skills and athleticism ideal for the position. Some top producers even have a limited range of skills, but they perform as well or better than anyone in the game with the skills they possess.
When teams match these players with schemes that keep tasks within a range of what players do well, the teams and the players thrive. Even players with limited, but excellent skill sets must display a certain level of basic skills or else their talent will, at best, have limited translation to the rigors of the NFL game.
How the Checklist and Stack Scores Fit Together
A football position is a job, and every job has a minimum set of requirements. Specific physical, mental, and technical skills are required for every role on a football field. The Breadth of Talent Score gauges how many things a player can do within a broad scope of the job requirements. The Depth of Talent Score evaluates how good the player can be at a specific aspect of the job.
The Breadth of Talent (checklist) measures a player's current talent according to the minimum NFL standard. Depth of Talent measures the height of that player’s potential. Both measurements have their own weighted scoring system, prioritizing the importance of the essential tasks and skills required of the position.
NFL schemes don’t always demand players to perform the full range of skills associated with a position. A requirement of one team will completely differ from the requirement for another team. Breadth of Talent (checklist score) reveals players who have the widest possible skills that appeal to most NFL teams. It doesn’t mean those players will necessarily be high on a team’s draft board. However, barring character and reputation issues, a high Breadth of Talent score does mean that players should be on more teams’ watch lists—regardless of his overall grade. Players with a strong Breadth of Talent Score are versatile.
The Depth of Talent (stack score) quantifies the difference between on-field performances exhibiting basic skills and on-field performances revealing exceptional ability. This is done by stacking players into tiers of talent within each skill set.
The skill sets in the stack scores have slight differences in how they’re categorized compared to the checklist criteria. Each skill set has a defined tier and those tiers have point values.
The higher the Depth of Talent Score, the greater the player’s potential to start—even if the player has a small role in the offense. A player can have a lower Breadth of Talent, but great Depth of Talent in specific areas and could become a star if placed with the right offense.
The Depth of Talent Score also allows room for projecting future player development. There are realistic scenarios where a player can improve his performance with additional training. If a player’s flaws appear correctable due to a lack of a teachable technique, an undeveloped conceptual understanding of the game likely to improve with film study and experience, or athletic skills that can be refined with further training, the RSP process may award bonus points to each stack ranking tier.
The value of the bonuses are conservative sums, because it’s the philosophy of the RSP to err on the side of what a player is versus what a player can become. At the same time, the key to excellent scouting is the ability to project what a player can become. Projecting future development is influenced by the player’s work ethic, baseline physical skills, and his ambition and maturity when selecting proper opportunities to continue his development.
There’s a persistent myth that players are “coached up” once they reach the NFL. Based on conversations with dozens of players, the vast majority of actual coaching covers strategy and gameplan execution rather than addressing deficiencies in technique.
Development of technique and athletic potential is mostly the responsibility of the individual player. The best NFL players seek out instruction from veterans or consultants and recognize the need to plan their own continuing education.
The NFL may have the best football players in the world, but the “best of the best” remains an exclusive category. Maturity, organization, discipline, and consistent disciplined practice, above and beyond “office hours,” distinguishes the difference between a talented athlete with a great college career and a good professional football player. Note: Many of these traits are as much about working smart as they are about working long and hard.
Some of these character qualities can be ascertained through game study, but personality traits are often the missing components that foil NFL player-personnel departments. Despite frequent, detailed, and expensive attempts to discover player character through background investigations, standardized testing, and face-to-face interviews, the NFL continues to face similar challenges of hiring quality employees as the rest of the real world.
Although I may award multiple bonuses for a player’s Depth of Talent Score, the weight of the bonuses awarded for “potential development” may, at most, bump a player’s skill grade up a full tier from where he’s assigned. I tend to award them based on my assessment of what is easiest and more likely for a player to learn, rather than what is possible but less likely for a player to learn.
The Checklist (Breadth Of Talent Score)
A checklist is generally used to score one game. The RSP strives for at least 2-4 games (and checklists) per player. While scoring one full game to a checklist is the ideal methodology, some players have limited or difficult-to-find game tape.
When forced to rely on a small sample size, which occurs only a few times each year, the RSP combines several games into one checklist, or the checklist is completed using a highlight package. The report will note if the sample size contains a highlight or a compilation of multiple games.
Studying complete games provides a better context for scoring than a compilation of highlights, because each game contains its own intellectual, physical, and emotional contextual time capsule. There’s valuable information gleaned from a game where a prospect has to respond to unique obstacles presented in each contest. Highlight-driven analysis is less reliable. These samples are edited to show the player at his best.
Successful plays don’t always reveal a complete picture of a player, because he’s often performing in situations with fewer obstacles. A mix of successful and unsuccessful plays reveals a broader range of skills and behaviors from a player. Failed efforts often reveal more about how a player thinks and reacts. That is why highlights are used as a last resort in my process.
In most cases, I watch far more than 2-4 games per player. I will use these supplemental viewings to add notes to existing checklists—often making references to games where I saw traits and skills that add to what I didn’t see performed in the full game checklist.
I generally pick games with a strong sample size of targets, attempts, and repetitions while trying to also choose a quality opponent. I try to grade at least one “bad” game for each player, in which their production didn’t match their usage.
With well-defined evaluation criteria, a difficult game often reveals a lot about the player’s technique, his conceptual understanding of his position, how well he responds to adversity, and his overall understanding and feel for the game. Some of my best and most accurate analysis comes from these games.
I generally grade one checklist at a time, although there are games where I will score quarterbacks, receivers, and tight ends in the same sitting. Still, I prefer to focus on one player at a time so I don't leave one checklist incomplete while beginning another.
The Stack Scores (Depth Of Talent Score)
I stack players by depth of talent after completing the Breadth of Talent checklist. The categories are based on my definition of what constitutes depth of talent at the pro level for each skill area.
Here are the stack scores within each category:
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent Caliber
Deficient
Play-by-play notes in the checklists help me determine where the player will be stacked within each category. Once I make that placement, I determine if his traits and behaviors exhibit potential for improvement and the difficulty level of that skill development process.
If I believe the player should improve, then I will add a bonus to his stack score. If I think that player’s improvement will unlock additional upside to his value in this area or other areas, I will provide an additional small bonus.
If a quarterback has excellent anticipation, accuracy, and strength, but his stance and throwing motion are major barriers that can be fixed easily, I’ll add an upside bonus to certain accuracy categories because the range of his accuracy should increase once he develops better mechanics. In contrast, if a quarterback has elite athletic ability and pinpoint accuracy in a clean pocket, but his accuracy and decision-making suffers dramatically under moderate
pressure, it’s far less likely that I’ll award upside bonuses to his stack score.
Although the Depth of Talent Score has these adjustments embedded in the final number, I also provide a ranking in the publication sorted by this score without the projection bonuses. This provides a more conservative estimate for those who believe players don’t change.
Breadth of Talent Checklist Criteria
Accuracy
Accuracy is a simple concept. Is the ball placed where it needs to be on a particular type of throw? The key to accuracy is the type of throw.
Is the player on the move while throwing? How much distance does the throw cover? Does he place the ball in the best position for the receiver to catch it and minimize the risk of a defender making a play?
NFL defenses have more resources, time, and better players than the college game. These resources help teams formulate more difficult game plans against a quarterback. NFL defenses have greater success forcing quarterbacks into throws with a higher degree of difficulty.
Anticipation of when to throw the ball is another key component of accuracy. Anticipation is linked to the timing of the quarterback’s drop, play fakes, route combinations, delivery, and the avoidance of defensive pressure.
Note: All distances are calculated from the point the quarterback releases the ball.
Accurate ball placement characteristics on deep routes: Passes thrown a distance of 35 yards or greater, and:
The throw is placed leading the receiver to catch the ball in stride.
The pass is intentionally thrown behind the receiver when the defensive back has good position ahead of the player.
The pass is thrown to a spot where only the receiver can make a positive play.
Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees throw deep routes accurately. Both signal callers have outstanding success in the deep passing game. Rodgers and Brees both throw receivers open, making high-risk throws where only the receiver can adjust to the ball for a completion to occur. Deep throws are among the riskiest plays in the passing game, but they are also an important factor in keeping a defense off balance. Point Value (2).
Accurate ball placement characteristics on intermediate routes: Passes thrown a distance between 15-35 yards, and:
The throw is placed leading the receiver to catch the ball in stride.
The pass is intentionally thrown behind the receiver when the defensive back has good position ahead of the player.
The pass is thrown to a spot where only the receiver can make a positive play.
Brees and Matt Ryan possess excellent timing and accuracy with intermediate routes. In this area of the field, defenses often try to funnel targets because it forces a quarterback to deliver the ball with a higher degree of accuracy around more obstacles without the aid of a boundary. Point Value (6)
Accurate ball placement characteristics on short routes: Passes thrown a distance of under 15 yards, and:
The throw is placed either leading the receiver to catch the ball in stride.
The pass is intentionally thrown behind the receiver when the defensive back has good position ahead of the player.
The pass is thrown to a spot where only the receiver can make a positive play.
Some of the more difficult passes for a quarterback to throw are short routes due to the touch, placement, and quick delivery necessary to execute the throw. Most NFL starting quarterbacks have an accurate short game. West Coast and Spread-style offenses utilize short passes much like running plays, placing a premium on short route accuracy. Point Value: (4)
Passer displays accuracy when rolling out to the left or right: A quarterback who can throw on the run—either on a designed rollout or breaking the pocket while under pressure—presents a multi-dimensional threat to defenses. Most quarterbacks can throw an accurate pass of a reasonable distance (20-35 yards) when rolling to the side of their throwing arm.
Fewer quarterbacks are as accurate with throws rolling to the opposite side. Defenses generally try to force a quarterback to his weak side when pressuring the pocket. Aaron Rodgers throws the ball on the run with accuracy, even to the opposite side of his throwing arm.
The accuracy of rolling left and right are split into four criteria points based on direction and range:
Accuracy moving right (Short – Under 15 yards) Point Value (1)
Accuracy moving left (Short – Under 15 yards) Point Value (1)
Accuracy moving right (Intermediate – 16-35 yards) Point Value (1)
Accuracy moving left (Intermediate – 16-35 yards) Point Value (1)
A quarterback who throws well on the move enhances the production of the ground game, because the defense must account for the possibility of the offense faking the run and hitting a wide-open pass outside the pocket. Russell Wilson is another good example of a player who throws well on designed rollouts.
Anticipation: A quarterback must time his delivery with the progression of a route. The number of steps in a quarterback’s drop is paired with the routes of a play and this accounts for the basic anticipation guideline for a quarterback.
If a route is open, the quarterback should exhibit no problem dropping back the required number of steps and should begin his delivery as soon as he completes the final step of his drop. This is a perfect world scenario, however, and there is more to anticipation than drop/release timing.
Anticipation also involves the placement of a target. The quarterback must display an awareness of defensive coverage in order to place the ball in a spot where the following takes place:
The receiver can catch the ball and minimize his risk for a collision with a defender.
The receiver can catch the ball in stride and maximize his opportunities as a ball carrier.
The receiver can catch the ball where it is more difficult for the defender to break up the target.
Placement of a pass is often the difference between a good college quarterback and a good professional. Brees has excellent placement. Peyton Manning remained consistently good for so long, because his anticipation and placement were so strong. Point Value (3)
Touch: The velocity and trajectory used for a throw defines touch. Quarterbacks must determine the touch for a pass based on the athleticism and position of defenders, the athleticism and position of receivers, the type of route involved, and an accurate awareness of their own arm talent.
A quarterback with great touch can minimize the need for excellent arm strength on some throws that typically demand a high degree of velocity. Russell Wilson often displays good touch. Point Value (3)
Arm Strength
Arm strength has many meanings for a quarterback. Distance is necessary and important. A quarterback with adequate arm strength in the NFL must be able to throw the ball at least 40 yards from their release point with accuracy.
Equally important is the velocity a quarterback can put into his throws. Several spots on the playing field require a hard throw for a completed pass. This is often true of red zone and middle-of-the-field passing plays where passing windows are significantly tighter.
Most of the great quarterbacks in the modern era had great arm strength; Dan Marino and John Elway are prime examples. In contrast, Joe Montana had adequate arm strength, but he could still make all the requisite throws in an offensive system which emphasized his timing and touch.
Drew Brees plays in a system in New Orleans that highlights his anticipation and pinpoint accuracy to throw receivers open. In Detroit, Matt Stafford’s arm strength allows him to make tight window throws few others would dare.
Stafford and Rodgers possess excellent skill with throws that don’t require them to reset their feet. Despite the fact that two of these three quarterbacks have earned criticism from the media for their lack of mechanics, there are coaches that actually teach the type of throws that these quarterbacks make because football is a game played both within and outside structure. Throwing without resetting the feet is a large component of the unstructured side of football.
Some quarterbacks struggle because they can only make throws inside the structure. Others falter because they rely too much on the unstructured techniques that require a higher degree of difficulty to perform.
Demonstrates velocity on deep routes: When a quarterback can throw the ball 40 yards downfield with velocity and minimal arc, he has good velocity on his throws. A ball that hangs too long in the air allows coverage enough time to adjust to the open receiver and break up certain receptions. There are times where more arc and anticipation are needed on a deep throws, but the minimum arm strength needs to be there. Point Value: QB (2)
Demonstrates distance on deep routes (more than 40 yards): There are productive NFL quarterbacks who have success with a deep range of 35 yards, but they are the exceptions to the rule. There are a few reasons 40 yards is the magic number for distance throws. First, most safeties play between 15-20 yards off the ball in standard coverage. A 40- yard pass adequately stretches the defensive formation, creating a cushion for the offense to execute run plays and shorter passes.
A completed 40-yard pass radically changes field position for an offense, regardless of where they began on the field. The 40-yard mark is also the optimal distance and timing for a receiver to gain separation before a throw would hold up their stride. Finally, a quarterback typically has a little less than 3 seconds before the pocket breaks down.
If the average NFL receiver runs 40 yards downfield in 4.4-4.5 seconds, the quarterback has about half that amount of time to release the ball. A throw requiring greater distance often requires more time in the pocket, which is consistently difficult to obtain. Point Value: QB (2).
Demonstrates velocity on intermediate routes***: Many NFL throws require a high level of velocity. The combination of coverage, pressure, and route timing often force a quarterback to release the ball at the very last second in order to complete a pass in tight coverage. A quarterback with reliable arm strength creates more difficulty for defenses, because he can throw himself out of trouble spots despite the defense playing sound coverage. Point Value: QB (5)
***Note: This is a Pass/Fail Area: Criteria with pass/fail elements to its scoring are considered vital traits to the success of a starting quarterback. If a quarterback fails to display consistent skill in a pass/fail area, the RSP will factor this into his overall ranking at the position. Most players who fail a critical pass/fail area will not be ranked in the same tier as future starters. While some players may improve their skills in this area, the RSP considers this pass/fail criteria difficult to develop, thus assigning the pass/fail element to the grading.
Demonstrates velocity without resetting feet: There are times in NFL games where defenses have tactical advantages over offenses, forcing quarterbacks to improvise. During these scenarios, the defense has forced the quarterback into a position where he has to make a tight-windowed throw while moving away from pressure or throw the ball away. This requires a high-velocity throw from an off-balanced body position. Point Value: QB (2)
Balance
Balance is a core factor in effective ball carrying. It is the combination of a variety of factors including:
Footwork
Spatial awareness
Body alignment
Strength
A player with good balance can adjust to the force of a hard blow and not fall over or change direction without losing speed or body alignment. Football players are trained to maintain their balance when facing most head-on collisions with a defender, but special players have the rare ability to keep their balance when the direction or placement of the blow is unexpected.
Marshawn Lynch possessed excellent balance. He knew how to use pad level, anticipate defensive angles, and align his stance to defeat hits from odd angles or from players with a significant height-weight advantage.
Demonstrates the ability to maintain balance when hit head-on: It doesn’t matter whether the player caught his fall with his free hand and staggered forward for a few more yards or if the opposing defender slid off him like a bug hitting a car’s windshield. When a runner keeps his footing after receiving a head-on hit to the chest, waist, or legs, he has
effectively demonstrated this level of balance. These are the types of one-on-one battles a runner is expected to win with at least some yardage after contact if matched up with a player of comparable size. Point Value: RB (3), WR (1), and TE (1)
Demonstrates the ability to maintain balance when hit from an indirect angle: The same concepts of balance apply in this situation as they do with a head-on collision. The difference is the defensive player’s angle in relation to the ball carrier. When a player can maintain his footing when hit from behind or from the side, he is demonstrating this high level of balance. Ryan Mathews and Alshon Jeffery have shown this skill with the ball in their hands. Point Value: RB (2), WR (1), and TE (1)
Maintains footing when making cuts: Whether the player is making a hard cut or bending an angle at high speed, a ball carrier should be able to maintain balance when changing direction without contact from a defender. Point Value: RB (3), WR (2), and TE (1)
Ball Handling
Ball Handling incorporates a number of skills ranging from the most fundamental to the highly advanced. A superb offensive skill player not only demonstrates the ability to protect the ball while eluding 11 defenders, but can also use the ball to trick the defense. Good ball handling allows teammates more room to execute plays. Peyton Manning is a fine example of a quarterback that could take good care of the ball and trick a defense with his play-fakes. Ben Roethlisberger has one of the best pump fakes in the game.
Carries the ball under the correct arm: The preferred technique is for the runner to carry the football with the arm that is closest to the sideline—otherwise known as “the outside arm.” Securing the ball under the outside arm is a safeguard to ensure a fumble bounces outside the field of play, allowing the offense to retain possession.
Sometimes, a runner is better off switching the ball to the arm opposite of any oncoming defenders. This way he meets the oncoming defensive player’s blow with the side of his body not carrying the ball. A runner that shows the ability to switch the ball to the appropriate hand as he is running earns credit for this skill.
There are instances where a runner cuts against the grain of a play design and does not have the time or the room to switch the ball. Points are not deducted when a ball carrier makes these kinds of cutbacks in traffic. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (1)
Handles center exchange effectively: This is one of the most fundamental points to playing quarterback. The quarterback is expected to handle snaps that reach his hands and to field shotgun snaps he can reach. One muffed exchange in a game does not constitute a problem, nor does more than one in a game with poor weather conditions. However, a quarterback displaying difficulty with simple snaps or not displaying even occasional work from center does not earn credit. Point Value: QB (2)
Demonstrates ball security while running: The ideal way to carry the football is with the ball tucked between the arm and chest and the elbow locked into the body. This 'high-and-tight' technique creates difficulty for opposing defenders to knock the ball away from the runner’s body, regardless of the angle.
While the ball does not need to be tucked against the runner’s chest, the elbow needs to be tucked tight enough into the body so there is no air between the arm, the ball, and the body. If there is a gap, the player’s level of ball security is inadequate for the pro level.
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber had a huge deficiency with ball security throughout much of his career but was able to learn the ideal technique. Eventually, Barber became one of the most reliable ball carriers in football during his final years in New York and remains an oft-used example by coaches for current players. Point Value: RB (3), WR (2), TE (2), and QB (1)
Maintains control of the ball when hit: This skill has a lot to do with both a player’s ball carrying technique, and comfort level with physical contact. Short of a perfectly placed hit to the ball, the runner should be able to maintain possession from the time he receives it until the whistle blows. Matt Forte had a great track record for maintaining control of the ball in these situations.
Quarterbacks have a lower point value because they are more often subject to blindside hits during the act of throwing the football. Therefore, the expectation to maintain control from this type of hit is lower. Receivers and tight ends have a lower point value, because they handle the ball less frequently than running backs. Point Value: RB (7), WR (3), TE (3), and QB (2)
Effective demonstration of play-fakes: Many quarterbacks execute play-fakes in their offense, but the ability to set up the fake and sell it to a defense is the result of consistent attention to detail and practice. An effective play-fake forces the
defense to consider that the ball has been handed to another player. A quarterback accomplishes this task when he maintains the same body language with the play-fake as he does handing off the ball.
A quarterback has to cultivate the type of body language on his hand offs that sets up his play-action game. Selling the play-action pass requires the signal caller to follow through on all small motions of a hand off and then hide the ball from the defense’s line of sight to cultivate the illusion. He can accomplish this feat by turning his back to the defense with the ball in his chest, or by hiding the ball behind his back as he finishes the appearance of an exchange with the runner. If the quarterback simply lowers the ball, but doesn’t turn or lower his body in the way he would if actually handing the ball to the runner, he is not providing an effective play-fake. Point Value: QB (1)
Effective use of pump fakes: In the same vein as looking off a safety, the ability to fake the motion of throwing in a particular direction forces the defense to react in the direction of the fake. The pump fake can both provide the quarterback more time to look downfield or create more space for his receivers to operate. A good pump fake doesn’t always require a full follow through. In fact, some of the better fakes occur with both hands on the ball. Ben Roethlisberger executes a violent pump fake with a velocity and range of motion that is rare to find. Point Value: QB (1)
Blocking
Skill players block for the run and pass on a limited basis, but if the play is to yield a high level of success, blocking assignments are as important to execute as those of their teammates on the offensive line. A skill player’s attitude towards blocking can also speak a lot about the way they approach the game overall:
Comfort level with hitting
Courage
Teamwork
Understanding of the offense
Blocking is generally the skill where even top prospects need the most refinement in order to make the transition from college to NFL starter. A good blocker sees playing time much earlier in his career than his peers with a similar level of talent in other facets of their game.
Forte and Frank Gore are consummate pass blockers. They are excellent at assignment diagnosis and understand how to be aggressive, physical, or apply finesse on blitz pick-ups.
Roddy White was a receiver that understood how his blocks could turn 15 or 20-yard runs into 50 or 60-yard touchdowns. White also sought out ways to attack the defense after he had successfully completed his first assignment on the play.
Brandon Marshall, Laquon Treadwell, and Anquan Boldin are also blocking standouts.
Correct diagnosis of blocking assignments: Diagnosing the correct assignment occurs when running backs and tight ends face blitzes from multiple players from the same gaps, delayed blitzes, or twists and stunts. In many instances, the back should try to block the pass rush from the inside first and work his way to the perimeter. Receivers rarely have to stay in to block on a pass play, but they can be the difference between a short gain and a moderate-to-long gain in the open field. Point Value: RB (2), TE (1), and WR (0.5)
Effective cut blocking technique: A cut block is properly executed when an offensive player shoots for the defender in a range that begins above the knees and ends at the beltline. The purpose is to knock the defender’s feet off the ground and prevent him from bouncing back to his feet immediately.
The cut block is common for assignments at the edges of the line of scrimmage or in the open field. The most common mistakes made with cut blocks are to shoot too low and target the defender below the knees, take a poor angle that allows a defender to work around partial contact, or miss the cut entirely. Point Value: RB (1), TE (1), and WR (0.5)
Hand placement: Good blocking technique requires sustained hand position under the shoulder pads and into the chest of the defender. This is a legal hold in the NFL and it is a position that helps a blocker steer a defender in any direction he chooses. However, this technique is not easy to establish on a moving defender and it is common for offensive players to display poor hand placement, which leads to holding penalties or a failed block.
Some offensive players lack the size, confidence, or the understanding of this technique and don’t attempt to sustain blocks with proper hand placement. Good hand position can also include hits to the shoulder on certain blocks in order to collapse a defender inside or outside of the rushing lane. Point Value: RB (1), TE (2), and WR (0.5)
Punch: One of the most effective ways to establish good hand placement on a stand-up block is to deliver a swift, powerful, and compact punch to the defender’s chest. This technique is designed to get past the hands and arms of the defender, knock the defender off balance, and to gain control before the defender recovers his balance.
A good punch can simply be a well-placed hit with the shoulders or forearms, knocking a defender off balance far enough from the flow of the play so that the opponent cannot recover. However, a consistent and effective punch that sustains control starts with feet, flat on the ground, and a well-coordinated effort to uppercut into the opponent while rolling the hips through contact to generate power.
College blockers at the RB, TE, and WR positions are often good punchers or have decent-to-good hand placement, but the best can do both. Point Value: RB (1), TE (2), and WR (0.5)
Mirrors/Moves feet effectively on stand up blocks: Delivering a good punch and maintaining good hand placement requires active footwork to remain in position with the moving target. Strong footwork is one of the biggest things that separates a potentially good blocker from a very good technician. Maintaining a proper base is also included in this area for backs and receivers where it’s not as necessary for them with every block. Point Value: RB (1), TE (2), and WR (0.5)
Maintains Base/Doesn’t Overextend: Stand-up blocks require balance to land and absorb blows while maintaining position between the defender and the rushing lane or pocket. A good base requires a blocker to keep his feet near shoulder-width apart, knees and hips bent, and the upper body upright. Failure to maintain this posture allows an opponent to knock a blocker off balance. This is most important at the line of scrimmage. Point Value: TE (2)
Character
The RSP does not grade on character, but it does track easy-to-find media reports about notable player activities off the field—whether inspiring, questionable, or illegal. Private investigation and interviews require resources that most non-NFL entities lack. I don’t do extensive hunting for off-the-field information, but I will note situations that I believe will have an impact on how a team may regard a player in a positive or negative light.
I don’t interview enough of these players, nor do I conduct the type of interviews where I can learn enough about them, to feel comfortable upgrading or downgrading a player based on his character. Still, I recognize character can play the most pivotal role in a player’s development.
The RSP has built-in definitions within much of its criteria which require a prospect to display some degree of mental, physical, and emotional toughness in order to perform well in the evaluation. Like most industries, there will be superstars and leaders with reliable—even great—production, yet lead chaotic personal lives.
Ascertaining which players will mature, how fast they will mature, and whether they are worth the investment is a difficult task—especially for organizations that have questionable management structures and often lack the training to recognize good risk from bad or how to develop at-risk employees. College players live under supervision, from morning to night. As professionals, NFL players are suddenly rich and have completely unmonitored free time. This is a difficult transition that all young players must adjust to in order to achieve lasting success.
Decision-Making
The speed of NFL play is significantly faster. Offensive systems in the NFL are far more complex. There are a greater volume of plays, and defenses do a lot more to confuse quarterbacks than in the college game. Quarterback prospects require continued development in this area before becoming consistently effective starters.
One can understand why learning how to make the right decision with split-second timing may be a time-consuming process, but ultimately of great importance for long term success. Some NFL quarterbacks learn enough to limit their mistakes and allow their enormous physical talents to outweigh their occasional recklessness (Ben Roethlisberger). Others learn to consistently make the best decision for the situation (Tom Brady).
Good decision-making has a lot to do with game awareness and integrating that knowledge into physical execution. It requires a synthesis of information about the time remaining, down and distance situations, the defensive tendencies before and after the snap, and understanding the makeup of one's teammates. It’s a balance between reading the visual cues that teammates and opponents provide and executing with aggression and caution, while operating with creativity inside and outside the structure of the scheme.
Avoids locking onto one receiver: The quarterback understands the defense and identifies the best option without consistently locking onto one receiver from the moment the play begins. Locking onto one receiver in situations where this
is a predetermined read isn’t always a bad decision, but it needs to be done sparingly. Otherwise, defenders will read the quarterback’s behavior and jump routes. Aaron Rodgers is excellent at varying his approach so defenders can’t be certain he has locked onto a target. Point Value: QB (3)
Manipulates defense with eyes: A skilled passer can hold a defender with his eyes during his drop. His head movements can fool defenders, creating an opening for his intended receiver. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady thrive here. Point Value: QB (2)
Plays with controlled aggression: An aggressive mindset as a passer is vital to NFL success. Without it, NFL defenses can win by executing an aggressive gameplan, cutting off a section of the field, or stifling an offense that doesn’t force the defense to account for the entire length and width of the field.
Controlled aggression includes attacking down field as an initial read, exploiting single coverage opportunities despite tight coverage, and changing plays or executing concepts that test the weaknesses of the defense. At the same time, quarterbacks cannot be so aggressive they become reckless.
High-risk plays include throwing the ball into heavy coverage, throwing the ball across the body on the move, and creative and/or unstructured behaviors when keeping it simple and conservative on a given play is all that’s necessary to sustain a drive. Manning, Brady, and Drew Brees are excellent examples of quarterbacks who play with controlled aggression. Point Value: QB (2)
Makes effective adjustments (Pre-snap reads) at the line of scrimmage: An effective adjustment before the snap of the ball occurs when the quarterback spots the intentions of the defense and changes the play to exploit weaknesses. This can involve changing a run to a pass, a pass to a run, the offense’s formation, or the particular route of a receiver.
These adjustments often create game-changing plays and keep the defense guessing as to what will happen next. Manning and Brady are among the best at pre-snap adjustments. Point Value: QB (2)
Throws the ball away to avoid sacks: There are some situations where the wisest decision for a quarterback is to throw the ball away. This often occurs when there is enough time for the offense to score points in subsequent possessions and remain in the contest.
A decisive quarterback understands the tenor of the game and, like a good poker player, knows when to fold his cards and wait for the next hand. This is something most quarterbacks have to learn when they enter the NFL. Often the competitive fire of quarterbacks to make a play takes over, and they attempt to keep too many plays alive—often to the detrimental result of a sack or turnover.
In most down and distance situations, throwing the ball away is the preferred alternative for a pro quarterback under pressure. Brady and Manning have also been among the best at throwing the ball away when nothing comes open and pressure is bearing down. Point Value: QB (3)
Judicious check-downs: Part of playing with controlled aggression is understanding when to not go for the big play with a deep throw. A large part of this understanding is a quarterback knowing where his short-range targets will be on the field and using them in appropriate down and distance situations. It might not make sense for a quarterback to throw a four-yard swing pass to a running back in tight coverage on 3rd and 20 with 0:39 left and down by 6 points.
However, in a 3rd and 7 situation with one time out left, from the opponent’s 13-yard line, that might be a sound call based on the defense. The awareness and wisdom with which a quarterback uses his teammates in a given situation is something this tendency helps measure. Point Value: QB (2)
Consistently on same page with receivers: There are a lot of adjustments that a quarterback and his receiving corps can make during the course of a game based on what the defense reveals. If a quarterback and his receivers aren’t executing the same route design, it can result in missed opportunities and turnovers.
An occasional error is not a problem, but multiple errors during a game or a similar errors on a weekly basis may signify that the quarterback has to do a better job communicating with his teammates. This isn’t always the case, because a
receiver might be the problem. However, the execution and production of the offense often falls on the quarterback’s leadership and communication. Point Value: QB (0.5)
Delivery
Delivery is the process of throwing the football. It begins with the drop, continues with the setup, and finishes with the release. The process should be efficient, compact, versatile, and it should yield an easy-to-catch football.
The best technicians often have a refined catalog of various processes to throw the football on-time and accurately. At the same time there are successful talents—even Hall of Famers—whose mechanics are far from perfect. Even the best must continuously hone their delivery mechanics throughout their careers.
Delivers ball from a variety of platforms: The traditionally acceptable release point is almost directly over the head but closer to the ear of the quarterback’s throwing arm. For a quarterback of average height, this allows the ball to start its trajectory at a high enough point to travel past the line of scrimmage.
Still, there are common situations where a quarterback must deliver the ball at a ¾ release point, side arm, or in another creative way to get the ball around opponents to the open receiver. Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler do this as well as any quarterback under pressure, whether inside the pocket or on the move. Point Value: QB (1)
Throws a catchable ball: A well-thrown spiral travels with better aerodynamics and is easier for a receiver to catch. Note that this definition doesn’t include the term “perfect spiral.” Some of the best quarterbacks in the game throw a wobbly ball.
Joe Montana didn’t have a gun for an arm, but he was one of the best at throwing a ball that was easy to catch. As long as the quality of the pass isn’t so poor that it presents a difficult target for the receiver, it’s a catchable pass. Point Value: QB (1.5)
Quick release: A quarterback who can get the ball out of his hands quickly has a great advantage over the defense. He can wait until the last possible moment to throw the football or execute quick-hitting plays like bubble screens without a long drop or setup. A quick release keeps the defense off-balance.
Dan Marino had one of the quickest, most ideal deliveries in NFL history. Despite his lack of mobility, he was one of the tougher quarterbacks for defenses to sack. Stafford, Philip Rivers, and Tom Brady all possess quick triggers. Point Value: QB (4)
Compact delivery: When a quarterback can throw the ball without a significant wind up, he protects the ball from pressure in the pocket and has more time to scan the field before committing to a receiver. This skill made Marino virtually impossible to reach in the pocket. Point Value: QB (4)
Drop spacing: The size of each step is crucial to a quarterback’s drop. With proper spacing between each step, the quarterback will arrive at the correct depth to fit the play’s blocking scheme. Spacing also allows the quarterback to generate proper alignment with his throwing position. Point Value: QB (0.5)
Drop pacing: The correct timing of the steps during a drop keeps the quarterback in time with the route design of the play and the blocking scheme of the offensive line. Drop pacing that’s too fast or too slow can disrupt the timing or accuracy of routes or generate unnecessary pocket pressure. Point Value: QB (0.5)
Foot width of stance/setup: A tall, shoulder-width stance supports proper balance, allowing the quarterback to deliver the ball with velocity and accuracy, adaptability to maneuver within the pocket, and the height to release the ball over the line of scrimmage. Poor setups and stances can inhibit accuracy and arm strength as well as greatly shorten the natural height of even a tall quarterback’s release point. Point Value: QB (0.5)
Delivery: Weight transfer/drives off front leg: An effective release allows the passer to finish in a balanced position. There should be some rotation of the lower half of the body, which enforces a desired stability at the end of the throw.
This stability of the lower body supports the arm to attain maximum velocity and generate zip on the release. Other components of weight transfer include the bend of the front leg, the width and length of the initial step of that front leg relative to the back leg, and even the carriage position of the ball relative to the chest. Point Value: QB (0.5)
Durability
Durability is a player’s ability to stay healthy, play with pain, rehabilitate injuries, and track any chronic or debilitating
issues that may prevent him from reaching his full athletic potential as a pro. Some injuries are more a test of the player’s work ethic than career-threatening. Others test both recuperative powers and character.
Players slide in the draft due to injury history than most any other factor. I have lowered the point value for this area across the board, as medical technology has advanced to the point that if a player isn’t going to recover from an injury then his other attributes will suffer and I’ll mark him down in those appropriate spots.
Jamal Lewis, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore and Todd Gurley are examples of players with difficult injuries who returned to perform at a high level and the injury tag only made them draft day values for the teams that exhibited the patience to allow them to rehab. Still, every injury is unique. Top prospect Marcus Lattimore failed to return to form and retired before his NFL career truly began.
Missed fewer than 10% of opportunities to play thus far in college career: If the player has missed more than 10% of his chances to play because of injury then it speaks to either the severity of the injury(ies), or a possible inability to recover as quickly as his peers. Point Value: QB (1.5), RB (1.5), WR (1.5), and TE (1.5)
Without chronic injuries throughout college career: A chronic injury is when a player has suffered more than one injury to the same body part while playing football. The injury could be minor and have little effect on the player as a pro, but it is something worth noting. As the player ages, these small chronic injuries can take longer to heal.
Marc Bulger was a quarterback evaluated as a day-one talent, but his durability was a concern. Bulger’s career reflected this evaluation: a Pro Bowl talent who missed a significant number of games and rapidly declined. Point Value: QB (1.5), RB (1.5), WR (1.5), and TE (1.5)
Without injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation during college career: These injuries are the most serious issues because they often cause the player to lose some amount of speed, athleticism, or strength for at least a short-term period, if not the remainder of his playing career. Frank Gore had first-round talent, but major injuries led scouts to question his pro potential. Point Value: QB (1.5), RB (1.5), WR (1.5), and TE (1.5)
Elusiveness
Elusiveness is the physical skill of changing direction, creating space, and avoiding contact. If a runner can change direction, drive the opposing defender off-balance to avoid a hit or the full impact of a hit, and still continue forward, he possesses an adequate amount of elusiveness to his running style.
There are several techniques ball carriers use to avoid hits. Some runners have all the techniques in their arsenal and can keep defenders off balance with a large catalog of moves, while others may only have a few effective moves in certain situations.
Lower-body jukes: These are the skills of using moves while on the run that fool the pursuing defender. These moves include the stutter-step, spin moves, or giving and taking away a leg. LeSean McCoy uses these moves to perfection. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (0.5)
Upper-body jukes: Head fakes, shoulder fakes, and dips are the most common upper body moves runners use to lure defenders into breaking down too early in one-on-one situations in the open field. Marshawn Lynch had some wicked upper body moves, including a head fake that once put Ray Lewis on his knees. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (0.5)
Avoids direct shots: This category is less about specific moves and more about a runner’s skill at avoiding the full force of a hit. Running backs no longer have this criterion point because I split it into multiple tasks. However, it remains a criterion for receivers and tight ends. Point Values: WR (1) and TE (0.5)
Strings moves together in space: Setting up defenders with a series of moves separates runners that can only functionally change direction and backs that are dynamically creative. LeSean McCoy, Devonta Freeman, and Le’Veon Bell all display the skill to use multiple moves in a short space, making defenders miss. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (0.5)
Sharp lateral cuts: Lateral movement, otherwise known as "cutting," is a sharp change of direction to the left or right while still in stride or not losing much speed. There are several kinds of cuts.
Backs like McCoy and Freeman can execute jump cuts—planting both feet and changing direction at a sharp angle from oncoming defenders. Most backs can plant one foot and change direction while on the run with some degree of lateral movement.
A back with good lateral agility can plant and side-step a defender that has telegraphed his angle. Backs with dynamic lateral movement can cut across the backfield and exploit lanes opening up on the opposite side of the formation. Some of the best backs of all time were able to make dramatic cuts with minimal steps and without slowing down.
Gale Sayers could cut at a 75-80 degree angle at full speed on a mud-caked field. McCoy possesses hard-cutting skills that rival those of Sayers. Point Values: RB (3), WR (1), and TE (0.5)
Variation of stride length: The best backs—regardless of how much lateral agility they possess—can integrate what their eyes see into their footwork. They can control the length of their steps to set up angles, creases, and moves that will earn them yardage. Stride length variation is an excellent display of patience and control.
Jerome Bettis was a huge back with excellent stride length variation and it made him a great short-yardage back between the tackles against teams that knew he was the focal point of the offense. LeGarrette Blount has mastered the same skill. Point Values: RB (4)
Variation of stride pace: In addition to stride length, the ability of a back to control the rate of his steps demonstrates his integration of eyes and feet. Plays don’t always develop as planned, and a back’s ability to increase or decrease his pace can help his teammates set up blocks or foil an opponent’s attack angle. Stride length and stride pace are often more pivotal to a back’s creativity and production on a down-by-down basis than the flashiest of moves. Point Values: RB (3)
Pocket Presence
Pocket presence requires the skills one often finds in a good leader: courage, intuition, technical skill, and wisdom. The general public often places too much emphasis on mobility from a quarterback while the more discerning audiences highly value maneuverability within the pocket.
A mobile quarterback uses running back or wide receiver skills to find and exploit space for healthy gains past the line of scrimmage as a response to pressure in the pocket. A maneuverable quarterback creates space, in and around the pocket, to find an open receiver. These are two separate qualities.
Josh Allen is a mobile quarterback, but not maneuverable. Tom Brady is maneuverable but not mobile. Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck are both mobile and maneuverable.
There is no disputing the fact that a mobile signal caller can wreak havoc on a defense. But if that player cannot display maneuverability—adjusting his position in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield and maintaining an efficient throwing position—then his upside as a passer is limited.
First and foremost, a quarterback has to sense pressure and possess a good internal clock that aligns with the time he has to scan the field on a given play. College coaches are reaching the conclusion that it’s more important to have maneuverability over mobility. Functional mobility—enough athleticism to earn gains of 5-15 yards and avoid big hits—is what they are seeking now.
Climbs pocket effectively: A quarterback with good pocket presence side-steps pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. He doesn’t sacrifice his stance to the degree that he cannot make a quick, accurate throw.
Less experienced quarterbacks drop their head and attempt dramatic, elusive moves to avoid pressure, often committing to running the football because they lose sight of receivers. A quarterback with good mobility and pocket presence understands when to roll out and when to make a slight adjustment with either the upper body or legs to elude the rush.
Brady has been much better than Michael Vick was at eluding pressure in the pocket with a completed pass as the end result, while Vick was one of the most elite mobile quarterbacks in the history of football. Brady remains more dangerous because he can distribute the ball for a big play under intense pressure. Vick’s plays under pressure often had an all-or- nothing result. Point Value: QB (2.5)
Willing to take a hit and deliver the ball at the last second: A quarterback who will stand in the pocket and deliver a throw at the last second, while knowing a defender is bearing down on him, is often rewarded with a completion to a receiver breaking free from single coverage for a big play. This is how the quarterback exhibits his comfort level with physical play. This is a a measure of toughness, trust, and commitment that helps him lead by example. Ben Roethlisberger is maneuverable and mobile, but he will also take the last-second hit to win in the vertical game. Point Value: QB (2)
Senses pressure***: A quarterback should have an internalized mechanism that tells him when the pocket is about to break down. It’s this internal clock that dictates when to take evasive action.
Sensing pressure is a skill that’s similar to a running back’s vision, because both are based on the integration of multiple skills:
Knowledge of blocking schemes
Knowledge of defensive schemes
Knowledge of routes
Peripheral vision
Timing of all of the above
Some quarterbacks integrate these skills better than others. The RSP scores this on a pass/fail basis and with specific grades. John Elway and Fran Tarkenton were great at sensing the rush because they could integrate their knowledge of passing concepts, coverage concepts, blocking concepts, and timing with their physical senses.
Elway could reportedly hear the blindside pursuit while also using his peripheral vision to see the progression of the shadows to gauge when to break the pocket. If you watch his highlights, he often eluded backside pressure that would have resulted in a sack or fumble with most quarterbacks. Point Value: QB (5)
***Note: This is a Pass/Fail Area: Criteria with pass/fail elements to scoring are considered vital traits to the success of a starting quarterback. If a quarterback fails to display consistent skill in a pass/fail area, the RSP will factor this into his overall ranking at the position. Most players who fail a critical pass/fail area will not be ranked in the same tier as future starters. While some players may improve their skills in this area, the RSP considers this criterion difficult to develop and therefore assigns the pass/fail element to the grading.
Manages edge pressure: Quarterbacks generally have an easier time with outside pressure, because there are more options to avoid the pressure with a roll or climb. There are quarterbacks with a good feel for pressure up the middle, but not from the outside.
Some quarterbacks either have a feel for pressure but lack the physical skills to elude it if they have to move more than a couple of steps, or they feel the pressure but immediately drop their eyes from their receivers and run rather than maneuver to an open area in the pocket. Point Value: QB (2)
Manages pressure up the middle: This is generally the most difficult type of pressure to manage. The most common tendency is to backpedal even when there is room to side-step and climb. This is often a win for the defense because a back-pedaling quarterback will find it harder to throw the football. It’s also impossible to run faster moving backwards than forwards.
Even when a quarterback backpedals and rolls away from the pressure, he has to take his eyes off of his receivers. This requires more time in order to re-adjust the eyes to the defensive coverage if he reaches an open area. Quarterbacks that manage up the middle pressure well, understand how to side-step and climb or throw the ball away. Point Value: QB (3)
Doesn’t freeze under pressure***: There are quarterbacks who physically shut down when they sense pressure. A telltale sign is dropping the eyes from coverage and burying their head in their chest to brace themselves for an impending hit—or simply going to the ground in a fetal position.
Jeff George did this with the Raiders. Peyton Manning, who was rarely sacked, made it a practice to hit the ground if the pressure got too close for comfort. Manning wasn’t freezing under pressure; he and the Broncos made conscious choices for Manning’s long-term health. The RSP scores this on a pass/fail basis and with specific grades. Point Value: QB (5).
***Note: This is a Pass/Fail Area: Criteria with pass/fail elements to scoring are considered vital traits to the success of a starting quarterback. If a quarterback fails to display consistent skill in a pass/fail area, the RSP will factor this into his overall ranking at the position. Most players who fail a critical pass/fail area will not be ranked in the same tier as future starters. While some players may improve their skills in this area, the RSP considers this criterion difficult to develop and therefore assigns the pass/fail element to the grading.
Doesn’t overreact to pressure***: With varying degrees of response, Blaine Gabbert, Michael Vick, and Matt Ryan all frequently overreacted to pressure during their careers. Gabbert’s overreactions were the most damaging, because there was a consistent behavior to rush or alter his throwing process when he felt pressure. His accuracy and consistency suffered greatly due to his pocket behavior.
Vick didn’t overreact to pressure in this fashion, but he fled the pocket and became a runner too soon. Even when he didn’t intend to run, he often made dramatic movements while dropping his head from the secondary and lost track of his receivers. Then, Vick’s response didn’t match the seriousness of the pressure and he eliminated his opportunities to buy time and throw the ball in a controlled fashion. It was a significant trait that kept Vick from progressing as a pocket passer.
Ryan sometimes overreacts to a flash of interior pressure in a tight pocket, dropping his eyes and looking for an exit. Because this is only one very specific instance where Ryan illustrates this overreaction and it’s not consistent, it’s not nearly as damaging to his overall efforts as it was for Gabbert and Vick.
Gabbert’s issue was debilitating, Vick’s was limiting, and Ryan’s is a minor impediment. Quarterbacks who consistently overreact to stimuli like Vick and Gabbert will not pass this aspect of the evaluation. The RSP scores this on a pass/fail basis and with specific grades. Point Value (5)
***Note: This is a Pass/Fail Area: Criteria with a pass/fail element to its scoring are considered vital traits to the success of a starting quarterback. If a quarterback fails to display consistent skill in a pass/fail area, the RSP will factor this into his overall ranking at the position. Most players who fail a critical pass/fail area will not be ranked in the same tier as future starters. While some players may improve their skills in this area, the RSP considers this criterion difficult to develop and therefore assigns the pass/fail element to the grading.
Power
Simply put, power is a football player’s ability to move forward when a defender is there to stop his progress. The variety of methods a player can use to address and overcome this obstacle determines the player’s overall score within this category.
Marshawn Lynch was an excellent power runner, who could use his strength to carry defenders extra yards, bounce off hits, break through wraps to his body, and attack defenders first to put them at a leverage disadvantage. Power often has as much to do with aggression, leverage, and determination as it does size and momentum.
Power comes from the hips and legs. Hip flexibility allows a ball carrier to translate his natural strength into power and leverage. If a runner has stiff hips and cannot bend and drive through contact, his only power will come from speed and momentum. Therefore, he will lack the consistent short-range and tight-space power that is the most common trait ball carriers need to be effective.
Displays power to drive through arm tackles: To get a positive score, the ball carrier must consistently run through or pull away from a defender’s attempt to grab his body. If the runner cannot make forward progress by running past the attempt when grabbed, he does not receive credit.
If the player trips from an attempted arm tackle to the legs, but regains his balance and the defender could only manage to hit the leg, ankle, or foot and not hold on through the tackle, then the player still receives credit. Point Values: RB (3), WR (1), and TE (1)
Effective stiff-arm: To receive a positive score, the ball carrier must extend his arm, make contact with the defender, and either maintain his space from the tackler, or knock the player backwards. The most effective stiff-arms prevent defenders from grabbing hold of the ball carrier. It’s encouraged to aim for the crown of the helmet. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (1)
Initiates contact, runs behind pads, and punishes defenders: These are the techniques an aggressive runner uses when they anticipate contact. Ball carriers lower their shoulders into a hit or initiate contact with a forearm. Effective use of
these techniques not only makes the runner more difficult to tackle, but the ball carrier takes less punishment than he delivers—wearing down the defense’s will and stamina. Jamaal Charles did this well despite lacking power back dimensions. The degree and frequency with which Charles did this to the opposition was the reason he was not a traditional power back, but still possessed a well-rounded enough game to earn a feature role. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (1)
Good pad level/runs behind pads: It is a fundamental point of coaching for a runner to fall forward for extra yardage as a defender makes the tackle. In addition, a low pad level, with the shoulders leaning forward and the knees bent, gives the ball carrier a leverage advantage in a collision with another player. The hips are also involved, so the runner has balance with his pad level and isn’t running too top-heavy. Low pad level often translates into yardage after contact.
Good pad level allows the offensive player to make the first contact and direct the force of the collision. It also helps runners protect the football, because it prevents the defense from getting hits on the ball directly. Point Values: RB (5), WR (1), and TE (1)
Second effort/Legs moving after contact: This refers to the runner that “dies hard”— a ball carrier that succeeds in moving forward after a hit or an attempted tackle. The amount of yardage gained isn’t part of the criteria—as long as the initial hit does not permanently halt the player’s forward progress. Several backs are known for their ability to gain yards after contact. Lynch and Peterson were top-flight examples, but even a smaller back like Giovani Bernard displays a baseline amount of these skills. Point Values: RB (7), WR (1), and TE (1)
Receiving
There are many possible things to lump under the category of receiving. For the sake of establishing clear criteria, the checklist format considers receiving:
The act of catching the football.
The adjustments a player must make when the ball is in the air.
How consistently the player makes a reception in respect to their immediate environment.
Wide receivers and tight ends generally run more intricate routes and encounter more complex coverage than runners. Therefore, their checklists also include additional specific route criteria.
Consistent target in the passing game: This point only applies to runners. If the back is targeted on average 3-4 times per game or more, he is a player coaches want to utilize as a weapon in the passing game. Alvin Kamara epitomizes a back that is seen as major part of his team’s passing attack, but so are role players like James White and Tarik Cohen. Point Value: RB (3)
Catches with proper hands technique: Proper technique entails catching the ball with the hands. A receiver that uses his hands first has a greater chance of earning a second chance to catch the ball, if the first effort fails.
In contrast, a player that catches the ball with his body has to deal with a more violent ricochet if he fails to gain initial control. A receiver that catches the ball with his hands is capable of establishing a wide area (or catch radius) for the quarterback to throw a catchable pass.
The basic technique of catching a football depends on the location of the target. Targets at the waist and below require a palms-up approach; the fingers and thumbs should point skyward when the target is at the waist and above.
Some traps to the body are good technique, depending on the target. This includes diving for a low pass or targets in tight coverage where extending the arms enough to catch with the hands is difficult due to the position or behavior of the opponent. Point Values: RB (2) WR (3), and TE (3)
Difficult catches: There are a number of ways to define a difficult catch: Tight coverage where the defender(s) has the advantage, passes that require an acrobatic effort, or receptions that require excellent skills of tracking the ball in the air, such as over the shoulder grabs when the ball is thrown directly over the receiver’s head. Think Odell Beckham. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (1)
Catches ball well with his back to the quarterback/line of scrimmage: Several routes are designed so the receiver can catch the ball while heading up field to gain maximum yardage. A receiver that can turn back from the waist while on
the run, or catch the ball over his shoulder, can maximize the space between himself and the coverage on a well-thrown ball. Point Values: RB (1), WR (1), and TE (1).
Consistently makes receptions on catchable balls: This is the primary job of a receiver. The definition of a catchable ball is anything not defined as a difficult catch. Certainly the ball is catchable even when the reception is difficult to make, but a good way to re-phrase this point is to ask, 'does the receiver make the easy catches?' This criterion is currently limited to runners. Receivers and tight ends have more extensive criteria, because there are exposed to a greater variety of targets that are fundamental to their jobs on the field. Point Values: RB (2)
Adjusts to high targets: The receiver can leap, extend his arms, or turn his body to create the best opportunity to catch a ball over his head. At the same time, he doesn’t consistently leap for targets that are over his head yet catchable without leaving his feet. Point Values: WR (0.5) and TE (0.5)
Adjusts to low targets: The receiver can leap, extend his arms, or adjust his body to create the best opportunity to snag a target below the knees. At the same time, he doesn’t consistently leave his feet for targets that are low yet catchable without sliding or diving. Point Values: WR (0.5) and TE (0.5)
Catches in tight coverage: The receiver doesn’t drop the ball when: A defender is close enough to shield the throw from the receiver’s line of sight, jar the ball loose with a shove, swat, or grab at the offensive player, or disrupt the pass in any other imaginable way.
Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are receivers that are well known to present themselves as big targets in tight coverage and shield the ball from their competition. However, Steve Smith was also excellent in this regard and he was among the shortest receivers in the game. Point Values: WR (4) and TE (4)
Catches after contact: It may seem logical that this point could be grouped with the point above, but this criterion specifically entails a reception in an area of the field where heavy, hard and, damaging contact is imminent or the threat is highly likely. The player is then forced to make a reception after taking a blow or isn’t distracted by the possibility of a collision. This skill illustrates the player’s concentration and comfort level with physical play. Most top receivers possess this skill and can make the play on at least 50 percent of these targets. Point Values: WR (4) and TE (4)
Catches cleanly: Making catches without juggling the ball. An occasional juggle won’t downgrade a player, but more than once in a game with a pass that doesn't present difficultly to secure a first down will earn a “no.” Point Values: WR (7) and TE (7)
Routes
Running effective pass patterns requires precision and timing. It also requires accurate awareness of how the defense and offense are reacting to each other before the snap. A great route runner with awareness of the game (Steve Largent, Cris Carter, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith, and Art Monk) can have a very long career at the receiver position because he relies less on speed than his peers to get the job done.
Gets appropriate route depth: Part of precision in route running is breaking the route at a depth where the receiver can catch the ball at a point on the field to earn the intended yardage of the play design. It is also about timing. If a receiver breaks a route too early, the quarterback’s pass may appear overthrown. The same goes with routes broken too late, causing the ball to arrive low and away.
A precise route requires timing and good footwork because the pass patterns are often designed to sync with the quarterback’s drop. If the receiver does not reach the desired spot in time, the quarterback has to hesitate, resulting in misfired throw or a sack.
In addition to timing, a good route covers the required distance to gain the intended yardage. A coach calls plays that match the game situation in terms of down-and-distance, and the pass routes have a lot to do with the choice.
When the intended distance of the route is run within the expected amount of time, the receiver is most likely catching a well-thrown pass thrown at the precise moment when the quarterback finishes his drop. Antonio Brown and DeAndre Hopkins are terrific route runners who make the more challenging intermediate routes look easy. Point Values: WR (4) and TE (4)
Finds soft area of zone coverage: Sometimes getting to an open area isn’t as much about creating space with precision and timing as it is about understanding where the natural openings will occur within a defensive formation. This is what it means to find the “soft spot” in zone coverage—a coverage type where defenses cover an area as opposed to a specific offensive player. Tight ends and slot receivers are frequently asked to find the soft spot and sit down in the open area, facing the quarterback to provide a big and easy target. Point Values: WR (3) and TE (3)
Works back to the quarterback: While offensive football has become such a refined and disciplined aspect of the sport, there is still a fair amount of improvisation on any given play. Defenses are equally prepared for what they encounter in a contest or play and are often able to render the original intent of the play ineffective. When this happens, receivers are coached and encouraged to find open space.
Whether or not this is coached on a regular basis, a quality receiver has established a rapport with his quarterback to alter his route and make himself the best possible target when his teammate needs to make a throw under pressure. As an example, Pittsburgh Steelers’ receivers, paired with Ben Roethlisberger, need to possess this skill in abundance to excel. Point Values: WR (1) and TE (1)
Breaks back to the football: Some routes require a sharp lateral break outside or inside, or a break back to the quarterback. In these cases, the receiver must demonstrate an aggressiveness to adjust his break back to the pass so he can maintain a better angle to the ball than the oncoming defender.
The best receivers incorporate a sharp break and adjustments into their route running, but most young receivers aren’t this aggressive since quarterbacks in the college game are less likely to target receivers with only a small amount of separation from a defender. This is not the case in the NFL. Even crossing or vertical routes can require a receiver to attack the target so he earns position on a defender. Point Values: WR (3) and TE (3)
Sideline awareness: Most people associate a receiver’s sideline awareness with getting his feet down inbounds. This is part of the equation, but not all of it. Another component of sideline awareness includes the receiver using the sideline to his advantage when running a pass route.
On deep routes, a receiver that keeps enough distance between himself and the sideline is actually creating more cushion to be able to back away from a defensive back in tight, inside coverage, thus allowing more room to make a catch while in bounds. Although used a lot in the slot, Michael Thomas exhibits this frequently. A receiver may also use the sideline and his body as natural barriers to prevent the defensive back from making a break on the football. Point Values: WR (2) and TE (2)
Doesn’t tip off breaks: Good route runners disguise their true intentions. Routes are run fluidly and often with enough economy that a defender cannot predict the beginning of the break point or its direction. Overly exaggerated moves at the top of the stem or raising the pads upright at the top of a stem can tip off a break point. Point Values: WR (3) and TE (3)
Sets up breaks with stem: Good route runners set up breaks with a subtle move at the top of the route that misleads a defender. Or, the stem is so uniformly straight that the defender has no indication of when, or what type, of break is coming. A stem should tell a story, setting up the defender to turn his hips in the wrong direction before the actual break occurs.
The setup can involve: a jab step, a head or shoulder fake at the top of the route in the opposite direction of the break, or the set up can be a more involved process. Some receivers are experts at the “double move,” leading the defender to believe they are running a particular route, then executing a second break in the route’s true direction when the defender bites. Marvin Jones is an excellent technician in this aspect of route running. Point Values: WR (2) and TE (2)
Shields defender from target: When a receiver breaks to the target, he should turn his body at an angle that forces the defender to run through the receiver in order to access the target. This technique also allows the receiver to catch the football and use his body to absorb the force of the defender’s contact rather than take a blow that might knock the ball loose with greater ease. In the NFL passing game, this is a fairly important technique because coverage is consistently tighter, frequently resulting in more collisions. Shielding, or "boxing out," the defender from the target is a technique in the vertical game and the red zone that allows receivers to control more athletic opponents. Point Values: WR (3) and TE (3)
Drives off line of scrimmage with low pads and intensity: Good route runners sell the idea of a vertical threat on every pattern. Receivers that leave the line of scrimmage in a proper drive phase—pads over toes, driving down field with knees and hips bent, and arms pumping like a sprinter leaving a starting block—will often force a defender to honor the possibility of a vertical route. An effective drive phase will force a cornerback to turn his hips and work down field, which can set up a variety of breaks on routes of all types for the reciever. The idea is to attack the defender’s position early and force the defender to react, and commit to a decision, rather than maintain his patience. Point Values: WR (1) and TE (1)
Stem length: A good stem has an exact number of steps, depending on the route. The best route runners take exact steps with their stems, and defensive backs have a more difficult time covering receivers with this elite level of precision. A stem that has the proper length won’t tip off the direction of the break and will test the patience of a defensive back, forcing him to react before the receiver and allow the route runner control over the situation. Point Values: WR (1) and TE (1)
Stem pace: A good route runner can use the pace of a stem to bait a defender into reacting too early on a pass pattern. The receiver can alter the pace to set up a deeper route or a specific break. He can also maintain an even pace that sells a vertical route while setting up a break on a shorter pattern. Point Values: WR (1) and TE (1)
Sinks hips into hard breaks: Good breaks on certain routes require a receiver to make sudden stops. The more sudden the stop, the greater the separation a receiver achieves. These hard breaks often set up hitches, hooks, curls, comebacks, some digs, and out routes. The most effective way to achieve a sudden stop is to sink the hips as if sitting in a chair. This stops the body's momentum quickly and sets up a strong change of direction. Point Values: WR (3) and TE (3)
One step before hard break: While it is not always necessary to achieve a hard break that earns separation, it’s important to limit the transition from stem to break to a minimal number of steps (typically 1-3) while sinking the hips. The more steps taken, the more time needed to come to a stop and change direction. Extra steps for breaks also allow the opposing defensive back more time to recover. Point Values: WR (2) and TE (2)
Suddenness with turns during break: The quicker the turn is executed from the stem to the break direction, the greater the amount of separation is possible from the defender. Sometimes, this separation has less to do with distance from the opponent than it does with timing. Tony Gonzalez lost his speed late in his career in Atlanta, but the tight end still possessed enough suddenness in his breaks to turn and earn enough position to catch the football in tight coverage before the opponent could complete his turn. Snapping the turn, during the break, is nearly as important as coming to a fast stop on a break. Point Values: WR (2) and TE (2)
Gets head turned to the ball with the break: Tracking the football in the air is a vital part of receiving and it begins with turning the head toward the quarterback and locating the ball on routes breaking back to the passer or across the field.
Point Values: WR (3) and TE (3)
Scrambling
Technically speaking, scrambling is more about the ability to keep the play alive behind the line of scrimmage with the intent to complete a pass. However, the RSP is gauging it as a skill used to gain positive yardage as a runner. Russell Wilson is an excellent runner and relies on that skillset to buy time and extend the play.
There is an entire range of running threats at the quarterback position. Michael Vick was a breakaway threat that could score from anywhere on the field. A quarterback like Wilson can break the pocket to gain first downs in long yardage situations, yet will also maneuver behind the line of scrimmage to complete passes. Ben Roethlisberger has the mobility to gain yards when the play breaks down, but it is more of a last resort option.
Effectively gains yards when breaking the pocket: When the quarterback chooses to leave the pocket either on a roll out with the option to run, a designed sweep, a draw, or a read-option play, he should demonstrate the patience, speed, elusiveness, and/or power to gain the positive yardage expected from a primary ball carrier. Wilson and Cam Newton are two of the better runners at the position when breaking the pocket. Point Value: QB (1)
Effectively gains yards when the pocket collapses: When the quarterback is forced to run because of pressure that pushes him up the middle of the field or to the perimeter, he should be able to avoid the sack and gain at least a small amount of positive yardage (2-3 yards).
Tom Brady is an example of a player that shows an adequate level of skill in this area. The Patriots quarterback is not a good runner, but he can, more often than not, avoid the sack in these situations. Other quarterbacks who perform better than the minimum requirements for the skill include Cam Newton and Andrew Luck. Point Value: QB (1)
Capable of breaking big gains as a runner: These are quarterbacks that can break runs of 20 yards or more in either of the two situations described above. Point Value: QB (1)
Separation
Separation is a key component to getting open against tight coverage and is defined as creating space within the first five yards of the line of scrimmage. Against off coverage, long speed comes more into play.
The concept of separation from the defender in college football differs considerably from that in the NFL. The saying “If you’re even, you’re leavin’” describes the fact that successful plays are executed in tight spaces in the pros. If an NFL receiver has more than a step on his coverage, this is considered a grand opportunity for the quarterback to complete a pass for a big play, if not a score.
Creating separation involves not only speed and quickness, but requires the integration of the hands and feet to work past a defender’s position. There are many fast receivers in the NFL who have difficulty gaining vertical separation because they don’t know how to overcome physical coverage at the line of scrimmage.
Likewise, there are NFL receivers with average or below-average speed who produce in the intermediate and vertical passing game because they use their hands and feet to win separation early in the route and control the pace of the route. Brandon Lloyd ran a 4.7-second 40, but was a productive deep threat who could separate from physical coverage.
If you go to the Twitter feed, there are a lot more varieties of releases than listed below. I will be changing the criteria to account for these releases. The Depth of Talent scoring system already does.
Reduces shoulder through jam: Turning the outside or inside shoulder away from the defender while running past him during the initial release. The shoulder can be turned downward or upward. Downward is usually the ideal action. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Three- and four-step release techniques: These are variations of footwork used to work free from a defender at the line of scrimmage or playing a short cushion. These steps require depth, quickness, and precision. Variations of this footwork include one- and two-step techniques. Point Values WR (2) and TE (2)
Effective shake: An upper body move used in conjunction with the second or third step in a three- or four-step release to bait or freeze a defender over the top. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Effective stack: Getting hip-to-hip with the defender during the release and sliding hip-to-hip off the defender while working back to the inside or outside to regain the vertical line of the route. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Effective rip: The same as a pass rush move where the player uses his arm with an uppercut motion on the defender’s reach to work through contact at the line of scrimmage. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Effective chop: This move is similar to a swim in the respect that the receiver’s arm moves over the arm or shoulder of a defender, but it’s a less exaggerated move. The intention of a chop is to slap downward on the forearm or elbow of the
defender’s arm that’s reaching towards the receiver. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Hook-plant-swim: This is a series of three moves put together to obtain separation. The first move is to set up a hook with a release in one direction. The second move uses the arm, opposite the defender, to hook and push the side of the defender away from the actual route direction. The third move integrates a cut back while accelerating off the plant step and uses the hand nearest the defender to use the swim move over that hooked hand to burst past. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Separation on intermediate and deep routes: Fly patterns, stutter and go routes, streaks, posts, and deep slants are patterns where the receiver creates separation with both acceleration and long speed. Some receivers can naturally gain separation with their combination of extreme explosiveness and speed, while other can get open with “build-up speed.”
These players are generally long-striders that take longer to get to top speed, but gain separation as they achieve the top end of their stride. Having height and skill to adjust to the ball in the air helps. Steve Smith was a receiver with both explosive short-area acceleration and long speed. Vincent Jackson had deep speed during his prime but was more of a long- strider. Point Values WR (1) and TE (1)
Speed
A player can be fast in different contexts. Speed can be measured over a variety of distances and directions. Forty yards in a straight line is the most recognizable format that people use to measure a football player’s speed. While intermediate to long-range sprinting speed has its benefits, there are other components of being “fast” as a football player.
Short area burst—or acceleration—and non-linear speed from shuttle times are often more accurate representations of the speed required of a football player during the majority of his time on the field. A big difference exists between a player running fast in conditions when he isn’t in several pounds of pads, hasn’t been hit dozens of times for 45-50 minutes, and when his stamina level is not taxed.
A player running at the combine isn’t being tested to think and react to outside stimuli such as a called play, or opposing defenders trying to take his head off. So good reasoning exists to wonder whether functional speed is inadvertently overlooked during the pre-draft evaluation process.
A football player that can’t make good decisions instinctively is no longer as fast as a player that can react rather than think. These near instant and instinctive decisions allowed players such as Arian Foster, Michael Irvin, and Priest Holmes to make big plays throughout their careers while lacking 'impressive stopwatch speed' at their respective positions.
Short area burst: A ball carrier who can accelerate to full speed within a short distance at a speed fast enough to separate from those in pursuit has an effective short area burst. A player with good acceleration is more likely to gain significant positive yardage than a player with long-range speed that requires more distance to achieve the same or better rate of steps. Foster had better burst than long speed. Le’Veon Bell has the burst of backs weighing 40 pounds lighter than when he was as a rookie. Point Values: RB (7)
Second-level separation: When a ball carrier can create a tangible space between himself and a pursuing defender, during a run or pass route, in tight coverage of at least 15-20 yards in length while the defender cannot make a play, this runner or receiver displays adequate intermediate to long-range football speed.
The specified distance of 15-20 yards is generally the maximum space between the linebackers and defensive backs and the line of scrimmage. Running back Frank Gore is rarely a threat to break a run of over 15-20 yards, but was still a quality starter despite his advanced age for a runner. This supports the point that short area burst is is a more important factor in many cases. Point Values: RB (3)
Can separate from Defensive Backs: This final gear of speed is that extra level of burst to pull away in the open field and generate long runs for touchdowns. While a rare and valuable commodity, it is not vital for a ball carrier to possess in order to achieve great success as an NFL player. Point Values RB (1)
Outside runs—speed to the edge: Running plays to the edge of a defense require a combination of both acceleration and maintaining an adequate level of speed as a player changes direction on the move. Point Value: RB (2)
Vision
Two of the most important factors that separate a talented runner from a talented athlete are his level of comfort with physical contact (toughness) and his ability to anticipate and exploit the best places to run with the football (vision). Locating the best place to run requires a runner to vary his rate of speed, set up the blocks in front of him, and move in one direction to exploit daylight in another.
Vision requires strong intuition based on an understanding of scheme, defensive formations, peripheral vision, anticipation, wise decision-making, and self-awareness of athletic limitations and talents. Great vision parallels great improvisers in music or the spoken word—instinctive, on the edge, but in control of the moment.
Vision is the common denominator among great runners. Gale Sayers, Jim Brown, and Marshall Faulk all had great vision though each had a distinct running style vastly different from the other.
Good Decisions: This may seem too general of a term to use as a criteria to judge a back, but the concept is that simple. The runner makes productive decisions based on down-and-distance, the blocking scheme, and the position of his opponents. A good runner understands the potential choices before the snap, but as the play unfolds he makes an adjustment if he identifies something better within his reach. Point Value: RB (7) WR (2), TE (0.5)
Judicious Inside vs. Outside: Many young runners rely too much on their athleticism because they have had frequent success outrunning opponents to the edge in previous levels of competition. Until they reach the upper echelon of college competition, or the NFL, they are the exceptions to the rule, and they begin to believe it and therefore rely on it to beat defenses.
Young runners entering the league often display good decision-making with this exception of attempting to bounce too many plays outside the tackle box when the game script discourages them from doing so. Veteran NFL backs learn to stay inside the tackle box and/or pick their spots to run outside according to the down and distance, field position, score of the game, and time left on the clock.
Many backs correct this tendency as they transition to the NFL. LeSean McCoy and Alvin Kamara are two prominent examples. Point Value RB (1.5)
Patience: Although a runner must create openings with a physical style on many runs, a quality ball carrier sets up his blocking assignments. This is known as a press and cut technique. To press the hole, a runner alters his stride length and pace, or the direction of his approach, to influence his opponents to pursue in the wrong direction before the runner changes direction to the intended, and now wider, crease.
The press-and-cut concept is vital to zone blocking schemes, but can work with some gap plays and also in the open field. A running back has a greater point value for this area than receivers because the nature of his job is to run in traffic with greater frequency. Point Values: RB (7), WR (1), and TE (0.5)
Reads line and effectively anticipates: A quality running back can often read run blitzes at the line of scrimmage before the snap and adjust where he’s going to run the ball. Good runners also understand defensive tendencies from film study and, as the game progresses, can use that film study info against the defense. Adequate defensive reading skills enable a runner make quality decisions to either follow the play as designed or attempt a cutback outside of the play design. Point Values: RB (3)
Takes good angles away from defenders in the open field: A runner with good instincts and peripheral vision can alter the direction of his run and prevent a pursuing defender from catching up to him. The timing and direction of this decision are what makes this open field technique effective.
Gale Sayers was masterful at this type of running. Receivers have a higher point value for his area than backs because most of their work is done in the open field. Point Values: RB (1), WR (2), and TE (0.5)
Depth of Talent Stack Criteria
If Breadth of Talent measures what a player does to the minimum NFL standard right now; Depth of Talent measures the heights of that player’s potential.The tiers for stack rankings are labeled as follows:
Star Caliber
Starter Caliber
Committee Caliber
Reserve Caliber
Free Agent
Deficient
Each tier is defined according to the level of performance exhibited on the field. This Breadth of Talent Criteria glossary is organized alphabetically. This section of the glossary is organized by position.
Quarterback
About Accuracy
As mentioned in the Breadth of Talent section, accuracy is a simple concept: Is the ball placed where it needs to be on a particular type of throw?
While true, there are two types of accuracy I observe from quarterbacks: general accuracy and pinpoint accuracy. General accuracy gets the ball into the area where it’s possible for the receiver to make the reception. Pinpoint accuracy places the ball into the optimal area for the receiver to catch the ball.
A quarterback’s accuracy is considered pinpoint when a pass allows the receiver to accomplish one or more of these tasks:
Minimize the adjustments required of the receiver to catch the ball.
Avoid contact from a defender.
Lead the receiver in the desired direction of the play.
There will be scenarios where a target thrown requires a significant adjustment from a receiver due to the nature of the route and the surrounding coverage. In these instances, a pass that does not appear pinpoint accurate may qualify, because it was the only possible solution for the receiver to earn a chance at the target. .
Pinpoint accuracy is a catchable target placed in the optimal spot based on the route and the coverage. General accuracy is a catchable target that isn’t placed in the optimal spot based on the route and the coverage.
More precisely, passes that require the receiver to break stride or require difficult adjustments that would otherwise not be indicated by the route type and coverage are graded as throws of general accuracy. When a receiver must make these difficult adjustments but doing so prevents the defense from making a play on the target, the pass are graded as throws of pinpoint accuracy.
When a quarterback consistently exhibits general placement despite loose coverage and minimal pressure, his ranking will often fall within a tier lower than the longest consistent range of his accuracy since NFL conditions demand more pinpoint placement.
Likewise, when a quarterback displays pinpoint accuracy on a consistent basis he’ll earn bonus points. The RSP also awards bonus points if there’s tangible evidence a quarterback can improve athletically and technically at throwing the ball with greater range and efficiency
Accuracy is not dependent upon the receiver’s ability to catch the football. Unless the receiver makes a difficult catch where there should have been no expectation of him converting the target, a pass earns the classification of accurate if it’s
delivered in a range where there’s a reasonable expectation for a professional receiver to make the catch.
About Accuracy Charting
The RSP is testing new charting methods for accuracy data. A break-down of the charting is at the end of this section.
Expect continuous improvement and refinement of how quarterback accuracy is charted and graded as the RSP methodology continues to evolve. I’ve already identified opportunities for improvement for 2020.
These categories are grouped in several combinations (e.g. scripted with pressure, unscripted without pressure, etc.) to generate multiple types of accuracy grades.
Script Type
Scripted: Throws based on reading expected route progressions as they unfold during the natural rhythm of the play.
Unscripted: Throws resulting from quarterback improvisation due to good defensive play or a need to prolong a play outside the expected rhythm of the play.
Pressure
No Pressure:Throws when there is minimal danger from a defender’s presence in the area to inflict disruption.
Striking the quarterback in the pocket during his delivery.
Making contact with the ball at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Moving the quarterback from his original setup point.
Pressure: Throws that a quarterback delivers in scenarios where there is significant danger from a defender’s presence in the area to inflict disruption.
Striking the quarterback in the pocket during his delivery.
Making contact with the ball at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Moving the quarterback from his original setup point.
Script and pressure types are combined with additional criteria below to create dozens of accuracy categories.
Coverage
Although there are several types of coverages used in football, the two broad types are man and zone coverage. The way a quarterback and receiver attack these types of coverage often differ.
Depending on the coverage type, the quarterback could be throwing to a spot on the field or targeting a specific zone of the receiver’s body. Certain throws that may have the quality of general accuracy when delivered against man coverage can be considered pinpoint against zone coverage.
As always, the context of the receiver’s route, the position of the defender at the time of the throw, and the position of the surrounding defenders in the area are vital in determining the accuracy of a throw.
Platforms
This category will likely undergo a name change, but currently encompass these six methods of throwing the football:
On-Platform: Passes delivered from a structured stance.
Off-Platform: Passes delivered from an untraditional stance.
Mobile (On): Passes delivered during a roll out, bootleg, or climb of the pocket with an on-platform body position.
Mobile (Off): Passes delivered as described above from an off-platform position.
Opposite Hash (On): Passes delivered with an on-platform position from one hash or outside that hash to the wide part of the field that includes the inside flat near the numbers, the numbers, the outside flat, and the opposite side.
Opposite Hash (Off): The same as above but from an off-platform position
Accuracy Ranges
The RSP defines ranges of accuracy in four vertical and three horizontal categories.
Vertical
Short: Passes covering 0-14 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Intermediate: Passes covering 15-28 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Vertical: Passes covering 29-42 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Deep: Passes covering distances beyond 42 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Horizontal
Sideline: The area within five yards of the side boundaries of the field.
Flat: The area outside the hash marks and up to the sideline area described above.
Middle: The area between the hash marks.
These ranges are used in a dozen combinations for each platform type and each platform type is used for each pressure, coverage, and script scenario.
Intentional throwaways and pass deflections are tracked but not counted in the accuracy matrices. Defensive holding and pass interference penalties are not tracked unless in rare instances the foul did not cloud the true accuracy of the target.
Use of Accuracy Charting for Depth of Talent Grades
The RSP takes the charting results and funnels them through a lens of expected accuracy based on results from NextGen stats studies accounting for field position, pressure, and platform. The current RSP accuracy thresholds based on the combinations of categories are located at the end of this glossary.
Platform Accuracy
The quarterback’s skill at delivering on-time, well-placed passes from a structured stance. This can be from a drop from
center and/or a setup from shotgun or pistol sets. The spirit of the word “platform” in this definition is a delivery of the ball from a stationary position. The RSP measures distances from the pitch point of the throw, not the line of scrimmage.
Platform Accuracy Tiers:
Star Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and deep accuracy (13 pts).
Starter Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and some (but limited) deep accuracy (10.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Short, intermediate, and some (but limited) vertical and/or deep accuracy (7.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Short and some (but limited) intermediate, vertical, and/or deep accuracy (5.2 pts).
Free Agent: Short and some (but limited) intermediate accuracy (2.6 pts).
Deficient: Limitations in every category (0 pts).
If the quarterback only demonstrates general accuracy on a consistent basis within each tier, he’s more likely to earn a ranking placement in the tier below it.
Off-Platform Accuracy
The quarterback’s skill at delivering on-time, well-placed passes from a stance lacking traditional structure. This includes throws off the back foot and from awkward positions where the player has to move in order to reach a throwing position, These movements are not designed as rollouts or bootlegs. The RSP measures distances from the pitch point of the throw, not the line of scrimmage.
Off-Platform Accuracy Tiers:
Star Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and deep accuracy (3 pts).
Starter Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and some (but limited) deep accuracy (2.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Short, intermediate, and some (but limited) vertical and/or deep accuracy (1.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Short and some (but limited) intermediate, vertical, and/or deep accuracy (1.2 pts).
Free Agent: Short and some (but limited) intermediate accuracy (0.6 pts).
Deficient: Limitations in every category (0 pts).
If the quarterback only demonstrates general accuracy on a consistent basis within each tier, he’s more likely to earn a ranking placement in the tier below it.
Opposite Hash Accuracy
The quarterback’s skill at delivering on-time and well-placed passes, regardless of platform or movement, to a target positioned at a wide range of the field in relation to the origin point of the throw. To qualify as an opposite hash throw, the destination must be an area of the field located across the opposite hash mark. This is defined as the region between the hash mark and the numbers or beyond to the sideline. The RSP measures distances from the pitch point of the throw, not the line of scrimmage.
Opposite Accuracy Tiers:
Star Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and deep accuracy (3 pts).
Starter Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and some (but limited) deep accuracy (2.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Short, intermediate, and some (but limited) vertical and/or deep accuracy (1.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Short and some (but limited) intermediate, vertical, and/or deep accuracy (1.2 pts).
Free Agent: Short and some (but limited) intermediate accuracy (0.6 pts).
Deficient: Limitations in every category (0 pts).
If the quarterback only demonstrates general accuracy on a consistent basis within each tier, he’s more likely to earn a ranking placement in the tier below it.
Mobile Accuracy
The quarterback’s skill at delivering on-time and well-placed passes based on designed movement embedded into the play such as rollouts, sprints, and bootlegs. The RSP measures distances from the pitch point of the throw, not the line of scrimmage.
Mobile Accuracy Tiers:
Star Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and deep accuracy (6 pts).
Starter Caliber: Short, intermediate, vertical, and some (but limited) deep accuracy (4.8 pts).
Committee Caliber: Short, intermediate, and some (but limited) vertical and/or deep accuracy (3.6 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Short and some (but limited) intermediate, vertical, and/or deep accuracy (2.4 pts).
Free Agent: Short and some (but limited) intermediate accuracy (1.2 pts).
Deficient: Limitations in every category (0 pts).
If the quarterback only demonstrates mobile accuracy on a consistent basis within each tier, he’s more likely to earn placement in the tier below it.
Drops
The process of the retreating from center, shotgun, or pistol and setting the feet into a throwing position. These factors determine the level of skill:
The variety of drop types.
The depth and pacing of the drop.
The ability to adjust the length and pace of a drop based on pre-snap/post-snap reads of coverage and pressure.
The quality of the stance at the conclusion of the drop.
The ability to deliver the ball off the back foot.
The depth of talent for drops comes from skill variety, consistency of execution, and a display of mental flexibility in order to recognize when the planned drop won't work and requires the adaptability to adjust.
Drop Tiers:
Star Caliber (5 pts):
All traditional drop types (1-,3-,5-, and 7-step).
Varies depth and timing as needed with route combination.
Fires off back foot.
Starter Caliber (4 pts): 1, 2, and 4 of the attributes listed within the star caliber.
Committee Caliber (3 pts): Two of the three attributes within the starter tier.
Reserve Caliber (2 pts): No. 1 and No.4 attributes, but may require improvement of timing and depth of drops.
Free Agent (1 pt): Can execute short drops and fire off back foot, but also requires timing and depth improvement.
Deficient (0 pts): Significant deficiencies with timing, depth, and consistency of basic drops (1-,3-, and 5- step).
Most offenses do not require seven-step drops, so this is not a hard requirement.
Release
The process of delivering the ball from the waist-up must exhibit good form, efficiency, variety as needed, and speed:
Over the top delivery.
Speed.
Compact process.
Flexibility and creativity to throw from less traditional platforms with success.
The Depth of Talent for releases comes from skill variety, consistency of execution, and a display of mental flexibility in order to recognize when the planned release won't work and requires the adaptability to adjust.
Release Tiers:
Star Caliber: Contains all four of the above points (9 pts).
Starter Caliber: Speed, compact, and over the top delivery (7.2 pts).
Committee Caliber: Two of the three from the starter tier, and a third that’s deficient yet improvable (5.4 pts).
Reserve Caliber: One of the three from the starter tier and at least one of the two areas that’s deficient yet improvable (3.6 pts).
Free Agent: None of the three from the starter tier, but at least one of the three that is deficient yet improvable (1.8 pts).
Deficient: None of the three from the starter tier and one area is so ingrained with bad technique that it’s unlikely to improve (0 pts).
Release speed is the most likely area where improvement will be made. Changing the release platform is more difficult but still obtainable. Altering the windup, to make it more compact, is achievable in theory, although most prospects revert to the old form under game conditions.
Decision-Making
This is the most difficult area to grade of any criteria at any position. If there is a category most likely to earn tweaks with each successive edition of the RSP, this one will be the safest bet. In fact, I already have copious notes for specific changes to this category that will take place in the near future.
As defined in the Breadth of Talent section, good decision-making has a lot to do with game awareness and integrating that knowledge into physical execution. It requires a synthesis of information including timing remaining in the game, down and distance situations, reading the defensive tendencies before and after the snap, and understanding the makeup of teammates.
Decision-Making is a balance between reading the visual cues that teammates and opponents provide, executing with a successful balance between aggression and caution, and operating with creativity inside and outside the structure of the scheme. I’m seeking these broad components:
Coverage: Reading, cycling through progressions, manipulation of coverage, and peripheral awareness.
Controlled Aggresssion: Taking what the defense gives, remaining on script, and working off-script with maturity.
Timing: Anticipation of open route breaks, delivering in rhythm within scope of the play and coverage, confidence target tight windows based on optimal leverage to throw the ball, and patience with windows in zone coverage.
Risk Management: Throws the ball away to avoid sacks, judicious check-downs, and judicious extension of plays.
Adjustments: Pre-snap and post-snap adjustments with receivers, line calls, and/or play calls.
Decision-Making Tiers:
Star Caliber: All five listed above (25).
Starter Caliber: The first four listed above (20).
Committee Caliber: Poise and two of the next four listed above (15).
Reserve Caliber: Poise and one of the next four listed above (10).
Free Agent: A lack of consistent poise and only exhibits command of two of the next four skills listed above
(5).
Deficient: A lack of consistent poise and only exhibits command of one of the next four skills listed above (0).
What constitutes good decision-making for a quarterback would provide enough compelling content for a full book on its own merit. There is notable variety within successful decision-making, since each player’s physical and mental mapping is unique to one another. Tom Brady is a successful decision maker and so was Brett Favre. Neither were remotely alike in other facets of how they played the game.
Play Fakes
The play fake is a combination of action and acting. The skills involved must be believable, which requires careful attention to detail and the quarterback buying into what he’s doing enough to properly sell it:
Timing of the fake is in sync with the ball carrier.
Believable extension of the football towards the ball carrier.
Consistent, believable body movements of the head, shoulders, hips, and arms that mimic a real exchange.
Executing a variety of play fakes with proper timing, believability, and consistency of detail.
Play Fake Tiers:
Star Caliber: All four skills listed above (3 pts).
Starter Caliber: Three of the four listed above (2.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Two of the four listed above (1.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: One of the four listed above (1.2 pts).
Free Agent: One of the four listed above and at least one deficiency (0.6 pts).
Deficient: One of the four listed above with at least two deficencies (0 pts).
Pump Fakes
The pump fake is also a combination of action and acting. The skills involved must be believable, which like play fakes, requires careful attention to detail and the quarterback buying into what he’s doing enough to properly sell it:
1) Executes shoulder fakes; an easier variant of the pump fake.
2) Delivers pump fakes with two hands; another easier variant.
3) Performs pump fakes with one hand, which is the ideal.
4) Enacts pump fakes with a full range of motion.
5) Executes the pump fake with intensity/violence.
A quarterback also needs to have large and strong enough hands to carry out the pump fake. If he can pump fake effectively with a college football, that is wider and shorter, then he should have no problem with a longer, narrower NFL ball.
Pump Fake Tiers:
Star Caliber: All five skills listed above (1 pt).
Starter Caliber: Four of the five listed above (0.8 pts).
Committee Caliber: Three of the five listed above (0.6 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Two of the five listed above (0.4 pts).
Free Agent: One of five listed above (0.2 pts).
Deficient: None of the five listed above (0 pts).
Sensing Pressure
Skilled pocket passing quarterbacks possess a balance between patience and an accurate internal clock. This balance enables them to accurately anticipate and decide when leaving the pocket is the best course of action.
As with a running back’s vision, quarterbacks must possess the knowledge of their scheme and opponent, peripheral vision, and awareness of their athletic limits to determine the best course of action in any given play. In some cases, this requires the quarterback to remain as patient as possible while baiting the defender to come within a step of reaching a sack before escaping. In other instances, it requires leaving the pocket at the first sign of pressure after recognizing the pressure will likely collapse the pocket without an escape route.
A short hand of these positive traits:
Baits defenders within a certain number of steps.
Peripheral vision to accurately identify pressure and escape routes.
Integrates vision within players athletic limits.
Knowledge of scheme and of opponent.
Sensing Pressure Tiers:
Star Caliber (12.5 pts):
Baits defenders within a step.
Three positive traits from list above.
Starter Caliber (10 pts):
Baits defenders within 2-3 steps.
At least two positive traits from the list above.
Committee Caliber (7.5 pts):
Baits defenders within 3-4 steps.
May overreact to flash of a defender in his range of sight.
Internal clock is consistently too long or too short.
At least one positive trait from the list above.
Reserve Caliber (5 pts):
Baits defenders within 4-5 steps.
May overreact to flash of a defender in his range of sight.
Internal clock is consistently too long or too short.
At least one positive trait from the list above.
Free Agent (2.5 pts):
Consistently overreacts to a flash of a defender in his range of sight.
Internal clock is consistently too long or too short.
At least one positive trait from the list above.
Deficient (0 pts):
Consistently overreacts to a flash of a defender in his range of sight.
Internal clock is consistently too long or too short.
Zero positive traits from the list above.
Pocket Maneuvering and Subsequent Accuracy
The RSP subscribes to the philosophy that quarterbacks must win from the pocket. Prospects must demonstrate a command of techniques to evade pressure and deliver the ball with accuracy afterwards:
Run, reset, and deliver.
Spin, roll, reset, and deliver.
Flush or spin and deliver on the move.
Reduce shoulder, climb, reset, and deliver.
Delivering with accuracy in this context can translate to general or pinpoint accuracy. The deeper the range of the throw— and the knowledge of the target based on coverage—the more forgiving the evaluation is on the definition of accurate.
Pocket Maneuvering and Post-Pressure Accuracy Tiers:
Star Caliber: Executes any 3 of the 4 criteria above (12.5 pts).
Starter Caliber: Executes any 2 of the 3 listed above (10 pts).
Committee Caliber: Executes any 1 of the 3 listed above (7.5 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Executes any number of the maneuvers, but not consistently accurate (5 pts).
Free Agent: Executes any number of the maneuvers, but neither accurate nor wise with the target choices
(2.5 pts).
Deficient: Cannot maneuver successfully (freezes or overreacts to potentially to getting hit) and foolish with target choices (0 pts).
Winning from the pocket requires evading pressure and gaining positive yards. This criterion focuses on the passing angle. The Scrambling category focuses on the rush.
Scrambling
Quarterbacks that can run are desirable, unless they lack the maturity required to do it in the NFL. This maturity involves knowing when to slide or leave the boundary to protect themselves and the long-term investment of the team. Skills the RSP seeks from effective scrambling:
Breaks arm tackles.
Eludes defender angles with changes of direction and/or speed.
Finds open creases.
Big-play ability: Possesses athletic gifts to gain at least 20 yards on any given play.
Protects his body unless situation is important enough to sell-out.
Scrambling Tiers:
Star Caliber: Executes any 4 of the 5 criteria above (3 pts).
Starter Caliber: Executes any 3 of the 5 listed above (2.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Executes any 2 of the 5 listed above (1.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Doesn’t protect his body and executes any 2 of the remaining 4 listed above (1.2 pts).
Free Agent: Doesn’t protect his body and executes any 1 of the remaining 4 listed above (0.6 pts).
Deficient: Lacks the athletic skill to earn positive yards on a consistent basis unless the conditions are too favorable to ignore (0 pts).
Durability
At this time, the RSP publication does not have NFL sources that can deliver consistent, comprehensive, and reliable medical reports on prospects. Durability is based mostly on public information and the tiers apply to all skill positions. Injury categories:
Major Injury
Injuries that require surgeries and months of rehabilitation to heal the injured body part and strengthen the surrounding body parts.
Major illness that requires months to heal and the process may have deleterious effects on overall conditioning.
Injuries requiring months of rehabilitation that significantly diminish the shelf-life of that player’s health over the course of his career.
Minor Injury
o Bruises, strains, sprains, broken bones that don’t inhibit performance if the player can handle the pain.
Chronic Injury
Multiple minor or major injuries to the same body part that lead to stability issues for that body part.
Multiple major injuries to the same area that lead to the destabilization of other body parts.
Durability Tiers (For QB, RB, WR, and TE):
Star Caliber: No known injuries of any kind—high school and college football—despite an extremely high workload. Freak athletes only (4.5 pts).
Starter Caliber: No major injuries during college, or performs well with minor injuries (strains, minor sprains, bruises, or bone breaks that may be painful, but don’t inhibit performance) (3.6 pts).
Committee Caliber: Rehabbed a major injury and returned to play at a productive level in terms of athletic performance. Missed time with multiple minor injuries that significantly limited his opportunities to perform (2.7 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Rehabbed major injury and athletic ability currently diminished with no assurances he’ll regain most of his pre-injury ability, but he can still contribute productively in a limited role or different position (1.8 pts).
Free Agent: Rehabbed major injury and athletic ability clearly diminished and unlikely he’ll regain most of his pre-injury ability. In some cases, he can still contribute productively in a limited role or different position (0.9 pts).
Deficient: Catastrophic injury that has robbed the player of the core atheltic skill to compete in the sport (0 pts).
Running Backs
Power
Power is generated from the hips and legs. Hip flexibility allows a ball carrier to translate his natural strength into power and leverage. If a runner has stiff hips and cannot bend and drive through contact, his only power will come from speed and momentum, and he will therefore lack the consistent short-range and tight-space power ball carriers require to be effective.
Degrees of power exhibited from a runner:
Breaks multiple tackles within the same carry.
Breaks arm tackles/wraps.
Earns yards after a collision due to core strength and leverage.
Pushes a pile unaided by teammates.
Power Tiers:
Star Caliber: All four skills consistently on display from list above (17 pts).
Starter Caliber: 2, 3, and 4 consistently on display from list above (13.6 pts).
Committee Caliber: Two of 2, 3, and 4 consistently on display from list above (10.2 pts).
Reserve Caliber: One of 2, 3, and 4 consistently on display from list above (6.8 pts).
Free Agent: None of 2, 3, and 4 consistently from list above (3.4 pts).
Deficient: Not even occasional demonstration of 2, 3, and 4 from list above. (0 pts).
Direct Balance
It doesn’t matter whether the player caught his fall with his free hand and staggered forward for a few more yards or the opposing defender slid off him like a bug hitting a car’s windshield; when a runner keeps his footing after receiving a head- on hit to the chest, waist, or legs he has effectively demonstrated direct balance. A runner is expected to win these types of one-on-one battles, gaining at least some positive yardage after contact if matched up with a player of comparable size.
Degrees of direct balance exhibited from a runner:
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized defensive linemen.
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized linebackers.
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized defensive backs.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized defensive linemen.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized linebackers.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized defensive backs.
The RSP defines “wins” as a runner earning positive yardage after a collision. “Stalemates” are defines as neither gaining nor losing yards after a collision.
Direct Balance Tiers:
Star Caliber: Capable of winning all three matchups listed above (5 pts).
Starter Caliber: Stalemates vs. DLs; wins vs. LBs and DBs (4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Wins vs LBs and DBs; losses vs. DLs (3 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Stalemates vs. LBs; wins vs. DBs (2 pts).
Free Agent: Stalemates vs. DBs (1 pt).
Deficient: Loses matchups consistently vs. all three types of defenders (0 pts).
Indirect Balance
The same concepts of balance apply in this situation as they do with a head-on collision. What distinguishes indirect balance is the defensive player’s angle in relation to the ball carrier. When a player can maintain his footing when hit from behind or the side, he is demonstrating indirect balance.
Degrees of indirect balance exhibited from a runner:
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized defensive linemen.
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized linebackers.
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized defensive backs.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized defensive linemen.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized linebackers.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized defensive backs.
The RSP defines “wins” as runners earning positive yards after the collision and “stalemates” as neither gaining nor losing yards after the collision.
Indirect Balance Tiers:
Star Caliber: Capable of winning all three matchups (3 pts).
Starter Caliber: Stalemates vs. DLs; wins vs. LBs and DBs (2.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Wins vs LBs and DBs (1.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Stalemates vs. LBs; wins vs. DBs (1.2 pts).
Free Agent: Stalemates vs. DBs (0.6 pts).
Deficient: Loses matchups consistently vs. all three levels (0 pts).
Ball Handling
Specifically, for this entry, ball handling translates to ball security. Skills that apply to ball security:
Uses the appropriate sideline arm.
High-and-tight technique.
Uses the appropriate arm not in the path of the pursuit (this takes precedence over using the sideline arm).
Withstands punches, chops, and pulls to ball-carrying arm.
Low fumble rate over final 1-2 seasons with a starter volume of touches.
The RSP doesn’t always factor a full four years of data into ball security. If a player has dramatically improved his ball security over the course of his career and the data reflects this change, the RSP will not factor that poor year into the
equation. On the other hand, if there’s only slight or moderate improvement, the RSP will take all four years into account.
Ball Handling Tiers:
Star Caliber (11 pts): Displays all five security characteristics listed above.
Starter Caliber (8.8 pts):
Low fumble rate.
High-and-tight.
Appropriate sideline arm.
Appropriate arm vs. origin of pursuit.
Committee Caliber (6.6 pts):
Low fumble rate.
Minor gaps with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Reserve Caliber (4.4 pts):
Improvable, moderate fumble rate.
Minor gaps with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Free Agent (2.2 pts):
Improvable, moderate fumble rate.
Major gap with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Deficient (0 pts):
High fumble rate.
Major gap with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Speed
For running backs, speed is characterized specifically as intermediate-to-long-range sprinting speed that is linear or the trajectory is an elongated curve, such as bouncing a run to the perimeter of the defense, where at least two-thirds of the field’s width is ground covered moving horizontally (east-west.)
Speed indicators within this context:
Timed linear 40-yard speed from workouts.
Observation of linear speed or speed around the corner that covers most of the field’s width, which definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of DBs, LBs, and DLs that are confirmed healthy enough to play at full speed.
Speed Tiers:
Star Caliber (3 pts):
40-yard dash at 4.45 seconds or lower.
Beats angles of most DBs (S or CB).
Starter Caliber (2.4 pts):
o 40 of 4.46-4.55 seconds.
Beats angles of some DBs (S and slower CBs).
Committee Caliber (1.8 pts):
40 of 4.56-4.6 seconds or lower.
Beats angles of most LBs
Reserve Caliber (1.2 pts):
o 40 of 4.61-4.65 seconds.
Beats angles of slower LBs.
Free Agent (0.6 pts):
40 of 4.66-4.7 seconds.
Difficulty beating the angles of DLs and LBs.
Deficient (0 pts):
40 greater than 4.7 seconds.
Difficulty beating the angles of DLs and LBs.
Acceleration
For running backs, acceleration is specifically defined as short-area sprinting speed. Types of acceleration include: linear bursts, bouncing runs to the perimeter of the defense where no more than half the width of the field is covered moving east-west, bursts in and out of cuts/changes of direction, and bursts after coming to a full stop.
Acceleration indicators in this context:
Timed 20-yard shuttle speed from workouts.
Three-cone (3C) drill times.
Observed short-area speed or speed around the corner covering no more than half of the field’s width and the performance definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of DBs, LBs, and DLs.
Observation of a player that maximizes his burst due to excellent anticipation and recognition of his surrounding environment and perfect execution of techniques at his position.
The final bullet point is uncommon, but one that must account for prospects that don’t perform well in timed workouts, yet their advanced mental acumen for the game accelerates reaction time compared to quicker/faster players who react slower because they aren’t mentally prepared or as football intelligent at recognizing game dynamics.
Acceleration Tiers:
Star Caliber (10 pts):
20-yard shuttle at 4 seconds or lower.
3C at 6.9 seconds or lower.
Beats angles of most DBs (S or CB), LBs, and DLs.
Committee Caliber (6 pts):
20-yard shuttle at 4.4-4.9 seconds.
3C at 7.01-7.1 seconds.
Beats angles of most LBs and DLs.
Reserve Caliber (4 pts):
20-yard shuttle at 4.5-4.59 seconds.
3C at 7.11-7.19 seconds.
Beats angles of most some LBs and DLs.
Free Agent (2 pts):
20-yard shuttle at 4.6-4.69 seconds or lower.
3C at 7.2-7.39 seconds.
Beats angles of most DLs.
Deficient (0 pts):
20-yard shuttle at 4.7 seconds or higher.
3C at 7.4 seconds or higher.
Cannot beat angles of DLs consistently.
Vision
A catch-all term that integrates several skills vital to playing the running back position. Vision is the process behind all successful decisions as a ball carrier. These are the factors that weigh heavily into scoring the skill level of a runner’s vision:
Understands blocking scheme.
Executes properly to down-and-distance/game situation.
Takes smart risks.
Eyes-brain-feet integration on unplanned obstacles.
Reads defense with anticipation of penetration, blitzes, and schematic variables.
Patience.
Decisiveness.
Creativity at the second level and beyond.
Sets up defenses as game unfolds and plays a game within a game.
All of these skills can be learned to some degree. The easiest are Nos. 1-2. The most difficult to learn are Nos. 4 and 8, if the back doesn’t already have it incorporated into his game by now.
Vision Tiers:
Star Caliber: Nos. 1-7 (19.5 pts).
Starter Caliber: Nos. 1-3 and 5-7 (15.6 pts).
Committee Caliber: Nos. 1-2 and one of 6-7 (11.7 pts).
Reserve Caliber: No.1 and one of 6-7 (7.8 pts).
Free Agent: No.1 (3.9 pts).
Deficient: Lacks consistency with any of these areas (0 pts).
Consistency in this context is best defined not as executing these skills successfully “every time,” but making justifiable decisions—successful or not—between 2/3 to 3/4 of the time (and an even higher rate for the most basic, straight-forward situations where the difficulty of execution is low).
Elusiveness
Repertoire of moves, efficiency of movement, and range of movement all contribute to the depth of talent a prospect has with this skill:
The runner can bend a curved path at a high rate of speed.
The runner can cut at a sharp angle with minimal preparation steps into the cut.
The runner has a repertoire of moves.
How well the runner uses these moves in context also depends on his vision. This means there is a bit of overlap, but not enough to question the viability of separate categories.
Elusiveness Tiers:
Star Caliber (13 pts):
Nos. 1-3 from list above.
Can execute hard cuts with no prep steps.
Has at least three successful moves.
Starter Caliber (9.4 pts):
Nos. 1-3 from list above.
Can execute hard cuts with 1-2 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Committee Caliber (7.8 pts):
Nos. 1-3 from list above.
Can execute hard cuts with 2-3 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Reserve Caliber (5.2 pts):
Nos. 1-3 from list above.
Can execute hard cuts with 3-4 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Free Agent (2.6 pts):
No.1 only.
Can execute hard cuts with 3-4 prep steps.
Leans too much on one move.
Deficient (0 pts):
Cannot execute hard cuts with fewer than 3-4 prep steps.
Leans too much on one move.
Blocking
Technique, diagnostic skill, and size of defenders the runner can adequately block all factor into depth of talents as an effective blocker:
Effective technique for stand-up game vs. DLs, LBs, and DBs.
Delivers punch with hands.
Delivers punch with feet grounded.
Delivers punch from a strong base.
Rolls hips into the punch to maximize force.
Adjusts hands to the correct parts of the opponent’s body to maintain position.
Footwork to drive and/or maintain favorable position to execute block.
Effective technique to cut-block vs. DLs, LBs, and DBs.
Effective timing to throw the block.
Keeps head up into cut block.
Cuts across the appropriate side of the defender.
Maintains effective height on the block.
Cuts and rolls through the body and not just across the body.
Effective diagnosis and set up.
Anticipates pressure.
Understands potential assignments with his offensive line.
Gains depth from the pocket in set up.
Sets angle forcing defender to declare favorable angle to blocker.
Squares body to target.
Sound stance.
First to strike.
Blocking is one of the most improvable skill sets for running backs and is usually the least addressed skill at the collegiate level.
Blocking Tiers:
Star Caliber (6 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. NFL-sized DLs.
Reads blitzes.
Consistent stand-up techniques.
Consistent cut techniques.
Starter Caliber (4.8 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. NFL-sized LBs.
Reads blitzes.
Consistent stand-up techniques.
Consistent cut techniques.
Committee Caliber (3.6 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some LBs and most DBs.
Reads blitzes.
Stand-up techniques with minor, improvable technique gaps.
Cut techniques with minor, improvable technique gaps.
Reserve Caliber (2.4 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some LBs and most DBs.
Improvable blitz reads.
Stand-up techniques with minor gaps.
Cut techniques with minor gaps.
Free Agent (1.2 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some DBs.
Improvable blitz reads.
Stand-up techniques with significant technique gaps.
Cut techniques with significant technique gaps.
Deficient (0 pts):
Significant blitz read issues.
Significant technique issues.
Receiving
There is potentially a lot more depth to evaluating the receiving game for running backs than the RSP currently uses for its standards. Until running backs capable of receiver-like routes and releases becomes the rule rather than the exception, the RSP standard will remain basic, combining pass catching and route running into one section:
Quality of pass-catching technique.
Detail and repertoire of route techniques.
Range of routes.
Difficulty of targets caught.
Routes and route techniques tend to be the easiest skill to obtain in terms of future development.
Receiving Tiers:
Star Caliber (8 pts):
Consistent hands-catcher of the ball.
Receiver-like route execution with releases, stems, and breaks.
Receiver-like repertoire of routes and techniques.
Makes contested and acrobatic receptions.
Starter Caliber (6.4 pts):
Consistent hands-catcher of the ball.
Makes contested and acrobatic receptions.
Committee Caliber (4.8 pts):
Improvable technique to become a consistent hands-catcher of the ball.
Flashes ability to make contested and acrobatic receptions.
Reserve Caliber (3.2 pts):
Consistent body-catcher of the football, but can extend and catch when forced to do so.
Limited route repertoire.
Free Agent (1.6 pts):
Consistent body-catcher of the football and has not proven he can catch with his hands when forced.
Limited route repertoire.
Consistent route depth.
Sudden turns.
Hard breaks with a single-step transition from stem to a stop with hips bent.
Speed breaks with flexible hip turn to maintain a flat turn that doesn’t fade the break downfield.
Sells a vertical route with the pace and body language of the stem.
Wins vs. press coverage.
Finds open zones.
Demonstrates sideline awareness during the act of the reception.
Works with quarterback when the play breaks down.
Maintains a uniform process from route-to-route that makes different patterns indistinguishable until the break point.
Uses routes to tell a story that fools defenders into reacting in the wrong direction.
Consistently beats cornerbacks.
Route Tiers:
Star Caliber (34 pts):
Performs 6-8 of the criteria listed above.
Consistently beats opponents’ No. 1 cornerbacks.
Starter Caliber (27.2 pts):
Performs 4-5 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 1 cornerbacks.
Committee Caliber (20.4 pts):
Performs 3-4 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks.
Reserve Caliber (13.6 pts):
Performs 3-4 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks with a limited repertoire of routes.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points above, but it is improvable.
Free Agent (6.8 pts):
Performs 1-2 of the criteria listed above.
Doesn’t win enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks or the repertoire of routes is too limited to judge.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points above, but it is improvable.
Deficient (0 pts): Lacks consistent execution of any of the above criteria.
Receiving
Technique, flexibility, discipline, physicality, focus, and toughness are vital to skilled pass catching. The more things listed below that a receiver can perform with consistency, precision, and toughness, the higher the talent level:
Extreme extensions for the ball (large catch radius).
Catches vs. tight coverage.
Catches vs. hits.
Tracks the ball effectively vs. tight coverage.
Tracks the ball effectively at difficult angles.
Displays boundary awareness and makes adjustments.
Clean, consistent hand techniques.
Rebounds from dropped passes.
Wins the ball in clutch moments.
Wins the ball vs. top cornerbacks.
Receiving Tiers:
Star Caliber (26 pts):
Performs 6-8 of the criteria listed above.
Consistently beats opponents’ No. 1 cornerbacks.
Starter Caliber (20.8 pts):
Performs 5-7 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 1 cornerbacks.
Committee Caliber (15.6 pts):
Performs 4-5 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks.
Reserve Caliber (10.4 pts):
Performs 3-4 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks with a limited repertoire of target types.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points listed above, but it is improvable.
Free Agent (5.2 pts):
Performs 2-3 of the criteria listed above.
Doesn’t win enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks or the repertoire of routes is too limited to judge.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points listed above, but it is improvable.
Deficient (0 pts):
Performs 1-2 of the criteria listed above.
Doesn’t win enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ No. 2 cornerbacks or the repertoire of routes is too limited to judge.
Has deficiencies with multiple criteria points listed above.
Elusiveness, Vision, Power, and Ball Handling
See the Depth of Talent entries for running backs for definitions.
Elusiveness Tiers:
Star Caliber (5 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with no prep steps.
Has at least three successful moves.
Starter Caliber (4 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with 1-2 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Committee Caliber (3 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with 2-3 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Reserve Caliber (2 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with 3-4 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Free Agent (1 pt):
No.1.
Can execute hard cuts with 3-4 prep steps.
Leans too much on 1 move.
Deficient (0 pts): Vision Tiers:
Star Caliber: Nos. 1-7 (5 pts).
Starter Caliber: Nos. 1-3 and Nos. 5-7 (4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Nos. 1-2 and one of Nos. 6-7 (3 pts).
Reserve Caliber: No.1 and one of Nos. 6-7 (2 pts).
Free Agent: Just No.1 (1 pt).
Deficient: Lacks consistency with any of these areas (0 pts).
Consistency in this context is best defined not as executing these skills successfully “every time,” but by making justifiable decisions—successful or not—between two-thirds to three-quarters of the time (and an even higher rate for the most basic, straight-forward situations where the difficulty of execution is low).
Power Tiers:
Star Caliber: All four skills consistently on display (4 pts).
Starter Caliber: All three of the final three skills (3.2 pts).
Committee Caliber: Two of the final three skills (2.4pts).
Reserve Caliber: One of the final three skills (1.6 pts).
Free Agent: None of the final three skills consistently (0.8 pts).
Deficient: Not even occasional demonstration of these final three skills above (0 pts).
Ball Handling Tiers:
Star Caliber (6 pts): Displays all five security characteristics.
Starter Caliber (4.8 pts):
Low fumble rate.
High-and-tight.
Appropriate sideline arm.
Appropriate arm vs. origin of pursuit.
Committee Caliber (3.6 pts):
Low fumble rate.
Minor gaps with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Reserve Caliber (2.4 pts):
Improvable, moderate fumble rate.
Minor gaps with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Free Agent (1.2 pts):
Improvable, moderate fumble rate.
Major gap with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Deficient (0 pts):
High fumble rate.
Major gap with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Balance
In contrast to its grades for running back, the RSP grades Depth of Talent on balance as one category and not split into direct and indirect balance. Most ball carrying for receivers takes place in open space and hits from direct angles are more rare. If a receiver consistently maintains his balance against head-on hits his value in this category will be higher than those that only win against hits delivered from indirect angles.
Degrees of balance exhibited from a wide receiver:
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized defensive linemen.
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized linebackers.
Wins collisions vs. NFL-sized defensive backs.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized defensive linemen.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized linebackers.
Stalemates vs. NFL-sized defensive backs.
The RSP defines “wins” as receivers earning positive yards after collisions and “stalemates” as neither gaining nor losing yards after collisions.
Balance Tiers:
Star Caliber: Capable of winning against LBs and both DB types (4 pts).
Starter Caliber: Stalemates vs. LBs; wins vs. DBs (3.2 pts).
Committee Caliber: Stalemates vs safeties and wins vs. CBs (2.4 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Stalemates vs. DBs (1.6 pts).
Free Agent: Stalemates vs. CBs (0.8 pts).
Deficient: Loses matchups consistently vs. all levels (0 pts).
Blocking
Technique, diagnostic skill, and size of defenders the runner can block all factor into his depth of talents as a blocker:
Effective technique for stand-up game vs. LBs and DBs.
Delivers punch with hands.
Delivers punch with feet grounded.
Delivers punch from a strong base.
Rolls hips into the punch to maximize force.
Adjusts hands to the correct parts of the opponent’s body to maintain position.
Footwork to drive and/or maintain favorable position to execute block.
Effective technique to cut-block vs. LBs and DBs.
Effective timing to throw the block.
Keeps head up into cut block.
Cuts across the appropriate side of the defender.
Maintains effective height on the block.
Cuts and rolls through the body and not just across the body.
Effective diagnosis and set up.
Anticipates pressure.
Understands potential assignments with his offensive line.
Gains depth from the pocket in set up.
Sets angle to force defender to declare favorable angle to blocker.
Squares body to target.
Sound stance.
First to strike.
Blocking is one of the most improvable skill sets for wide receivers and is usually the least addressed skill at the collegiate level.
Blocking Tiers:
Star Caliber (2.5 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. NFL-sized LBs and wins vs. DBs.
Consistent stand-up techniques.
Consistent cut techniques.
Starter Caliber (2 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. NFL-sized DBs.
Consistent stand-up techniques.
Consistent cut techniques.
Committee Caliber (1.5 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some safeties and most cornerbacks.
Stand-up techniques with minor, improvable technique gaps.
Cut techniques with minor, improvable technique gaps.
Reserve Caliber (1 pt):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some safeties and most cornerbacks.
Stand-up techniques with minor gaps.
Cut techniques with minor gaps.
Free Agent (0.5 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some cornerbacks.
Stand-up techniques with significant technique gaps.
Cut techniques with significant technique gaps.
Deficient (0 pts): Significant technique issues.
Durability
See the Quarterback section.
Tight End
Separation
In addition to technique, speed, acceleration, and timed change of direction factor into the RSP’s evaluation of a tight end’s separation skills:
Timed linear 40-yard speed, 20-yard shuttle, and three-cone drills from workouts.
Observable linear speed, acceleration, and/or change of direction that definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of athletic DBs.
Reads defensive coverage correctly to adjust routes to the expectations of the scheme and the quarterback.
Displays more than two moves that successfully integrate hand and footwork techniques.
Stacks defenders post-break on vertical routes.
Maintains a straight line with his stem, unless the non-linear stem is part of a nuanced route that consistently and efficiently sets up a break and earns the tight end separation and position to catch the ball at the right place and time.
Separation Tiers:
Star Caliber (9 pts):
Timed linear 40-yard speed no greater than 4.6 seconds, 20-yard shuttle no greater than 4.2 seconds, and three-cone drill no greater than 7 seconds.
Observable linear speed, acceleration, and/or change of direction that definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of top-notch LBs and DBs that are confirmed healthy enough to play at full speed when the performance occurred.
Reads defensive coverage correctly to adjust routes to the expectations of the scheme and the quarterback.
Displays more than two moves that successfully integrate hand and footwork techniques.
Stacks defenders post-break on vertical routes.
Maintains a straight line with his stem, unless the non-linear stem is part of a nuanced route that consistently and efficiently sets up a break and earns the tight end separation and position to catch the ball at the right place and time.
Starter Caliber (7.2 pts):
Timed linear 40-yard speed between 4.6-4.69 seconds, 20-yard between 4.2-4.49 seconds, and three-cone drill between 7.01-7.2 seconds.
Displays at least two moves that successfully integrate hand and footwork techniques.
Performs two of the three below:
Maintains a straight line with his stem, unless the non-linear stem is part of a nuanced route that consistently and efficiently sets up a break and earns the receiver separation and position to catch the ball at the right place and time.
Reads defensive coverage correctly to adjust routes to the expectations of the scheme and the quarterback.
Stacks defenders post-break on vertical routes.
Observable linear speed, acceleration, and/or change of direction that definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of athletic LBs and DBs.
Committee Caliber (5.4 pts):
Timed linear 40-yard speed between 4.7-4.79 seconds, 20-yard between 4.5-4.59 seconds, and three-cone drill between 7.21-7.4 seconds.
Displays at least one move that successfully integrates hand and footwork techniques.
Performs one of the three below:
Maintains a straight line with his stem, unless the non-linear stem is part of a nuanced route that consistently and efficiently sets up a break and earns the receiver separation and position to catch the ball at the right place and time.
Reads defensive coverage correctly to adjust routes to the expectations of the scheme and the quarterback.
Stacks defenders post-break on vertical routes.
Observable linear speed, acceleration, and/or change of direction that definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of some linebackers and some safeties.
Reserve Caliber (3.6 pts):
Displays no moves that successfully integrate hand and footwork techniques.
Performs one of the three below:
Maintains a straight line with his stem, unless the non-linear stem is part of a nuanced route that consistently and efficiently sets up a break and earns the receiver separation and position to catch the ball at the right place and time.
Reads defensive coverage correctly to adjust routes to the expectations of the scheme and the quarterback.
Stacks defenders post-break on vertical routes.
Timed linear 40-yard speed between 4.8-4.89 seconds, 20-yard between 4.6-4.69 seconds, and three-cone drill between 7.41-7.6 seconds.
Observable linear speed, acceleration, and/or change of direction that definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of some linebackers.
Free Agent (1.8 pts):
Displays no moves that successfully integrate hand and footwork techniques.
Performs one of the three below:
Maintains a straight line with his stem, unless the non-linear stem is part of a nuanced route that consistently and efficiently sets up a break and earns the receiver separation and position to catch the ball at the right place and time.
Reads defensive coverage correctly to adjust routes to the expectations of the scheme and the quarterback.
Timed linear 40-yard speed greater than 5 seconds, 20-yard greater than 4.69 seconds and three- cone drill greater than 7.6 seconds.
Observable linear speed, acceleration, and/or change of direction that definitively illustrates a player’s ability to beat good angles of some linebackers that are confirmed healthy enough to play at full speed when the performance occurred.
Deficient (0 pts): Lacks any of the qualities listed in the Free Agent tier.
Routes
Technique, flexibility, discipline, and creativity within structure all play significant roles in the craft of a skilled route runner. The more characteristics, listed below, that a tight end can perform with consistency, precision, and variety, the higher the talent level:
Consistent route depth.
Sudden turns.
Hard breaks with a single step transition from stem to a stop with hips bent.
Speed breaks with flexible hip turn to maintain a flat turn that doesn’t fade the break downfield.
Sells a vertical route with the pace and body language of the stem.
Wins vs. press coverage.
Finds open zones.
Sideline awareness during the act of the reception.
Works with quarterback when the play breaks down.
Maintains a uniform process from route to route that makes different patterns indistinguishable until the break point.
Uses routes to tell a story that fool defenders into reacting in the wrong direction.
Consistently beats linebackers, safeties, and some cornerbacks.
Route Tiers:
Star Caliber (34 pts):
Performs 6-8 of the criteria listed above.
Consistently beats opponents’ linebackers, safeties, and some cornerbacks.
Starter Caliber (27.5 pts):
Performs 4-5 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ linebackers and safeties.
Committee Caliber (20.7 pts):
Performs 3-4 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ linebackers and safeties.
Reserve Caliber (13.9 pts):
Performs 3-4 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ linebackers.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points above, but it is improvable.
Free Agent (6.8 pts):
Performs 1-2 of the criteria listed above.
Doesn’t win enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ linebackers or the repertoire of routes is too limited to judge.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points listed above, but it is improvable.
Deficient (0 pts): Lacks consistent execution of any of the above criteria.
Receiving
Technique, flexibility, discipline, physicality, focus, and toughness are vital to skilled pass catching. The more things listed below that a receiver can perform with consistency, precision, and toughness, the higher the talent level:
Extreme extensions for the ball (large catch radius).
Catches vs. tight coverage.
Catches vs. hits.
Tracks the ball effectively vs. tight coverage.
Tracks the ball effectively at difficult angles.
Displays boundary awareness and makes adjustments.
Clean, consistent hand techniques.
Rebounds from dropped passes.
Wins the ball in clutch moments.
Wins the ball vs. top linebackers, safeties, and some cornerbacks.
Receiving Tiers:
Star Caliber (21.5 pts):
Performs 6-8 of the criteria listed above.
Consistently beats opponents’ top cover LBs and many DBs.
Starter Caliber (17.2 pts):
Performs 5-7 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ top cover LBs and many DBs.
Committee Caliber (12.9 pts):
Performs 4-5 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ LBs and DBs.
Reserve Caliber (8.6 pts):
Performs 3-4 of the criteria listed above.
Wins enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ LBs and DBs with a limited repertoire of target types.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points listed above, but it is improvable.
Free Agent (4.3 pts):
Performs 2-3 of the criteria listed above.
Doesn’t win enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ LBs and DBs or the repertoire of routes is too limited to judge.
Has a deficiency with one of the criteria points listed above, but it is improvable.
Deficient (0 pts):
Performs 1-2 of the criteria listed above.
Doesn’t win enough battles to produce vs. opponents’ LBs and DBs or the repertoire of routes is too limited to judge.
Has deficiencies with multiple criteria points listed above.
Elusiveness, Vision, Power, and Ball Handling
See the Depth of Talent entries at running back for definitions. Scoring is below.
Elusiveness Tiers:
Star Caliber (2.5 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with no prep steps.
Has at least three successful moves.
Starter Caliber (2 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with 1-2 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Committee Caliber (1.5 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with 2-3 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Reserve Caliber (1 pts):
Nos. 1-3.
Can execute hard cuts with 3-4 prep steps.
Has at least two successful moves.
Free Agent (0.5 pt):
No.1.
Can execute hard cuts with 3-4 prep steps.
Leans too much on 1 move.
Deficient (0 pts): Vision Tiers:
Star Caliber: Nos.1-7 listed above (1.5 pts).
Starter Caliber: Nos.1-3 and Nos.5-7 listed above (1.2 pts).
Committee Caliber: Nos.1-2 and one of Nos.6-7 listed above (0.9 pts).
Reserve Caliber: No.1 and one of Nos.6-7 listed above (0.6 pts).
Free Agent: No.1 listed above (0.3 pts).
Deficient: Lacks consistency with any of these areas (0 pts).
Consistency in this context is best defined not as executing these skills successfully “every time,” but by making justifiable decisions—successful or not—between two-thirds to three-quarters of the time (and an even higher rate for the most basic, straight-forward situations where the difficulty of execution is low).
Power Tiers:
Star Caliber: All four skills consistently on display (4 pts).
Starter Caliber: All three of the final three skills (3.2 pts).
Committee Caliber: Two of the final three skills (2.4pts).
Reserve Caliber: One of the final three skills (1.6 pts).
Free Agent: None of the final three skills consistently (0.8 pts).
Deficient: Not even occasional demonstration of these final three skills above (0 pts).
Ball Handling Tiers:
Star Caliber (6 pts): All five security characteristics.
Starter Caliber (4.8 pts):
Low fumble rate.
High-and-tight.
Appropriate sideline arm.
Appropriate arm vs. origin of pursuit.
Committee Caliber (3.6 pts):
Low fumble rate.
Minor gaps with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Reserve Caliber (2.4 pts):
Improvable, moderate fumble rate.
Minor gaps with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Free Agent (1.2 pts):
Improvable, moderate fumble rate.
Major gap with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Deficient (0 pts):
High fumble rate.
Major gap with high-and-tight technique.
Favors carrying to one side.
Balance
See Depth of Talent entry for wide receiver for the definitions; scoring is below.
Balance Tiers:
Star Caliber: Capable of winning against LB and both DB types (3 pts).
Starter Caliber: Stalemates vs. LBs; wins vs. DBs (2.4 pts).
Committee Caliber: Stalemates vs safeties and wins vs. CBs (1.8 pts).
Reserve Caliber: Stalemates vs. DBs (1.2 pts).
Free Agent: Stalemates vs. CBs (0.6 pts).
Deficient: Loses matchups consistently vs. all levels (0 pts).
Blocking
Technique, diagnostic skill, variety of blocks, and size of defenders the tight end can block all factor into his depth of talents as a blocker:
Effective technique for stand-up game vs. DLs, LBs and DBs.
Explodes off the line.
Delivers punch with hands.
Delivers punch with feet grounded.
Delivers punch from a strong base.
Rolls hips into the punch to maximize force.
Adjusts hands to the correct parts of the opponent’s body to maintain position.
Footwork to drive and/or maintain favorable position to execute block.
Effective diagnosis and set up.
Anticipates pressure.
Understands potential assignments with his offensive line.
Gains depth from the pocket in set up.
Sets angle to force defender to declare favorable angle to blocker.
Sound stance.
First to strike.
Facing top defensive talent in the run game is one of the greatest challenges for tight ends entering the NFL and often the level of adjustment necessary slows their development early.
Blocking Tiers: (Finish for TE)
Star Caliber (10 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a win or stand-off vs. NFL-sized DEs.
Reads blitzes.
Consistent stand-up techniques.
Consistent cut techniques.
Starter Caliber (8 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. NFL-sized DEs.
Reads blitzes.
Consistent stand-up techniques.
Consistent cut techniques.
Committee Caliber (6 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some DEs and LBs and most DBs.
Reads blitzes.
Stand-up techniques with minor, improvable technique gaps.
Cut techniques with minor, improvable technique gaps.
Reserve Caliber (4 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some LBs and most DBs.
Improvable blitz reads.
Stand-up techniques with minor gaps.
Cut techniques with minor gaps.
Free Agent (2 pts):
Has the stand-up game to generate a stand-off vs. some LBs and DBs.
Improvable blitz reads.
Stand-up techniques with significant technique gaps.
Cut techniques with significant technique gaps.
Deficient (0 pts):
Significant blitz read issues.
Significant technique issues.
Durability: See entry for Depth of Talent on quarterbacks.
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